Environment
Minister sparks rural backlash after shooting and hunting statement
Comments made by a Welsh Minister claiming there is no place for shooting in a ‘civilised society’ will create widespread discontent across Wales’ rural community, according to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.
The statement was made by the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, during a debate in the Senedd on shooting’s benefits to the Welsh countryside. In response to a question on the role of shooting and conservation, she said she did not think ‘killing for sport or for leisure is anything that any civilised society should support’.
The debate held by James Evans, MS for Brecon and Radnorshire, came at the midpoint of a 12-week Natural Resources Wales consultation that proposes a ban on releasing gamebirds in Wales.
Speaking in support of shooting in Wales at the debate, James Evans MS said: “Shooting is fundamental to rural communities in Wales. It provides opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together in the great outdoors and enjoy each other’s company.”
Speaking after the debate, British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s head of policy and campaigns, Dr Conor O’Gorman, said: “The Minister’s comments on the floor of the Senedd highlight the anti-shooting agenda currently driving policy decisions in Wales.
“It is not just a blatant disregard of scientific evidence but real-world contempt for the rural community and thousands of jobs.
“Shooting is worth £75 million to Wales’ economy annually, supporting the equivalent of 2,400 full-time jobs. The outright dismissal of shooting is damaging to the Welsh countryside and will create widespread discontent across rural Wales.
“Our thanks must go to the Members of the Senedd willing to stand up and support sustainable shooting, using facts and figures to back up their comments.”
(Lead image: Senedd TV)
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Robert Morgan
27th April 2023 at 2:20 pm
Minister for climate change should stick to what she don’t know and stopp meddling in others livelihood
Anthony Johnstone
27th April 2023 at 2:44 pm
Totally agree. Obviously the Minister for Climate Change does not get out into the countryside very much, if at all, but prefers to spend her time sitting in the Sennedd. She does not follow or participate in any country pursuits which have no connection with her alleged responsibilities as Minister for Climate Change, so why is she using her position to push her personal agenda agsinst those that do. Smacks of ” I don’t so no one else can either” is this small minded declaration what we Welsh people are paying handsomely for. Time for a change in either mindset, or personnel who truly represent the Welsh population in both urban and rural areas.
Anthony Johnstone
27th April 2023 at 2:30 pm
Just what has the Minister for climate change got to do with shooting in Wales, or is she using her position to further her own biased unscientific agenda. It is well known that the Welsh Labour Government have a dislike for all things rural in Wales and that the banning of shooting is part of that hate campaign. Time for a change, but not in the countryside, the change we Welsh people need is in the mindset of the Welsh Government or its membership.
Gavin
4th May 2023 at 10:43 pm
Any Labour government is so blinkered that it sees any country pursuit as something only ‘toffs’ do so they want it banned.