Tory MPs urge ministers to rule out restrictions on pheasant shooting

Tory MPs have urged the Government to rule out a “stealth ban” on pheasant shooting, after it consulted on licensing gamebird shoots and releases. They fear a licensing system could effectively end shooting in some areas, while the debate matters to rural livelihoods and conservation.

A letter from Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown to Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle has backing from 66 MPs and asks the Government to support sustainable shooting. Industry groups say 36,000 people responded to the consultation, with at least 26,000 favouring continuation; they also cite shooting’s £3.3 billion contribution to the UK economy. The Government says it has no plans to ban gamebird shooting, but says high environmental and animal welfare standards are needed.