Support for shooting at the party conferences is unprecedented and gives BASC a strong mandate as an all-party political organisation.

[Conor O'Gorman]

There has been a fair amount of doom and gloom about politics and the future of shooting. However, there is cause for optimism thanks to the efforts of BASC’s political team over the past five years, building relationships and preparing for a potential change in government.

Post-general election, a litmus test for those efforts was the autumn political party conferences. BASC has been attending these for most of its history and what happened this year was hugely significant.

A party conference season like no other - ShootingUK

ShootingUK News - A party conference season like no other

www.shootinguk.co.uk

 

[The Singing Stalker]

Conor, when you post something like this, I have to ask, is it just the politicians giving lip service? We have been slung under the bus before,, many times, I think the statement in the magazine was often along the lines of, Basc are extremely disappointed etc etc. after all the consultations.
I am perhaps a bit clinical, but you get a few anti hunting types shouting and suddenly every politician runs for cover away from the hunting sector.
Are we seeing a realisation that the countryside plays a more important role or are they just shaking your hand because you are there?

 

[Nimrod1960]

Conor
Good up date thank you.

But you posted this at 9pm on a Saturday. Having done the party conferences, give yourself a wee break, go stalking, we can wait until Monday .

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

Conor, when you post something like this, I have to ask, is it just the politicians giving lip service? We have been slung under the bus before,, many times, I think the statement in the magazine was often along the lines of, Basc are extremely disappointed etc etc. after all the consultations.
I am perhaps a bit clinical, but you get a few anti hunting types shouting and suddenly every politician runs for cover away from the hunting sector.
Are we seeing a realisation that the countryside plays a more important role or are they just shaking your hand because you are there?

Political parties are made up of many interest groups and often its random circumstance and timing that dictate when restrictions are mooted by the party in power and whether the perceived resistance to such proposals pose a significant enough risk to dissuade a government from proposing such restrictions in the first instance. Based on my experience at BASC for 21 years I think we are in a strong position across the board based on feedback from the conference season.

 

[sikamalc]

I sincerely hope you are right Conor. But, and its a big but, I would not trust any politician as far as I could throw one. Especially Labour. But well done for the great efforts made by yourself and BASC.

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

But well done for the great efforts made by yourself and BASC.

Thanks, the political team is doing great work, including on the conferences, but for my part it's mainly been to write about their efforts.