Thank you to those constituents who have approached me regarding shooting and conservation. I have worked hard alongside my colleagues to provide the connectivity, jobs and investment rural communities need, recognising they often have very different priorities, traditions and needs from those living in high density, urban settings which should be respected and listened to.
I have always worked to support our farmers who are the backbone of the rural economy as well as stewards of the British countryside. As many constituents may be aware, I come from a family with a strong farming background myself and am proud to have been able to represent these hard-working men, women and families, especially as the previous MP for Mid Sussex. I am also pleased to be a Parliamentary Patron for the Conservative Rural Forum which is a Rural Advisory Group helping to influence the future of the countryside, agriculture, fisheries and food.
I have been asked for my views on sustainable shooting and conservation. Shooting and conservation play a key role in the rural economy and management of the countryside. It is worth around £3 billion to the economy, much of it in some of our remotest communities and it is important to recognise an industry that does so much for rural jobs and livelihoods. Indeed, for many people, shooting is an intrinsic part of rural life – both in terms of countryside management and as a sporting industry.
Further, I fully recognise the important and invaluable contribution these rural businesses have and can continue to make towards delivering our commitments to conserve our environment and restore wildlife.
Over the past year, we have taken action to back sustainable shooting and conservation associations – including by announcing a new general licence GL45 this year which will allow the release of gamebirds without the need for to apply for individual licences – one of BASC’s top asks.
In contrast, in their manifesto Labour have pledged to hike up the cost of gun licenses by 36 percent – showing they have no plan for, and would not protect, this crucial sector. The Conservatives remain determined to be the party that stands up for the countryside and ensures that rural communities across this country can continue to thrive. Should I be elected to represent the East Grinstead & Uckfield constituency, I will continue to be a strong voice for my constituents on the importance of the contribution made by our rural communities.
