草榴社区

EXCLUSIVE - George Freeman: "The real risk posed by the Government's shotgun licensing proposal is not to public safety, but to our rural way of life"

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman writes on why Labour's reforms to shotgun licensing are 'misguided'. Instead, he argues why the shooting industry plays a crucial role in the heartlands of farming communities, the rural economy, to rural conservation, and people's enjoyment of country sports

clock 鈥� 4 min read
Conservative MP George Freeman said: "Game shooting brings much-needed income to rural economies, supporting local butchers and small businesses and providing healthy and sustainable food. Country sports are becoming increasingly important pillars of a rural economy already under huge pressure from high energy costs and agricultural disinvestment."
Image:

Conservative MP George Freeman said: "Game shooting brings much-needed income to rural economies, supporting local butchers and small businesses and providing healthy and sustainable food. Country sports are becoming increasingly important pillars of a rural economy already under huge pressure from high energy costs and agricultural disinvestment."

The Home Office proposal to lump shotgun licensing in with tighter controls historically reserved for rifles and other firearms marks a significant step in Whitehall hostility to country sports, the rural...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to 草榴社区 Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Join Now

听

More on Politics

Dover port officials see same vans 'over and over' bringing in illegal meat
Politics

Dover port officials see same vans 'over and over' bringing in illegal meat

Baroness Hayman has said she hoped the SPS agreement with the EU should help tackle the influx of illegal imports as she admitted Dover port facilities were 鈥榩oor鈥�

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 10 December 2025 鈥� 2 min read
Nearly three quarters of rural residents believe politicians do not understand the needs of the countryside
Politics

Nearly three quarters of rural residents believe politicians do not understand the needs of the countryside

Scotland's Rural Voice report also revealed that nearly two thirds of rural residents said they do not have a meaningful voice in shaping decisions which affect them

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 10 December 2025 鈥� 5 min read
Keir Starmer summoned to Liaison Committee for likely pre-Christmas questioning on IHT
Politics

Keir Starmer summoned to Liaison Committee for likely pre-Christmas questioning on IHT

The Prime Minister was challenged by Efra Chair Alistair Carmichael at the Liaison Committee last year on the impact of Inheritance Tax changes on farmers' mental health

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 10 December 2025 鈥� 4 min read