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

Politicians told: Welsh farmers 'cannot - and should not - be expected to do more for less'
Politics

Politicians told: Welsh farmers 'cannot - and should not - be expected to do more for less'

草榴社区' Union of Wales sets out its manifesto asks ahead of upcoming Senedd elections

Jane Thynne
clock 24 January 2026 鈥� 2 min read
Industry leaders focus on farming's future during Save Britain's Family Farms moment at LAMMA 2026
Politics

Industry leaders focus on farming's future during Save Britain's Family Farms moment at LAMMA 2026

The campaign attracted a crowd at the 草榴社区 Guardian stand at LAMMA last week (Jan 14 - 15)

Emily Ashworth
clock 23 January 2026 鈥� 2 min read
'Cheap imports are undermining us' - 草榴社区 stage demos at ports in Felixstowe and Bristol
Politics

'Cheap imports are undermining us' - 草榴社区 stage demos at ports in Felixstowe and Bristol

British farmers said they are being 'undercut' by cheap imports on supermarket shelves while feeling 'devalued' by Government with changes to Inheritance Tax, all at a time when producers face ever increasing costs to produce food

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 23 January 2026 鈥� 3 min read