Press release: Shooting’s role outlined to the new Welsh parliament
Following the establishment of the new Welsh Parliament BASC has written to all members of the Senedd highlighting the importance of shooting to the Welsh economy, environment and culture.
The elections, held last week, saw Welsh Labour narrowly miss out on securing a majority, winning 30 of the 60 seats in the Senedd. The Conservatives gained 16 seats becoming the official opposition with Plaid Cymru obtaining 13 and the Liberal Democrats one.
Lesley Griffiths, MS for Wrexham, has maintained the rural affairs portfolio, though her responsibilities have been expanded to include north Wales and Trefnydd (House Leader). BASC has worked to engage with the minister since she gained the rural affairs portfolio in 2016, and this work will continue over the next Senedd term.
Bronwen Gardner, BASC public affairs manager Wales, said: “Following the election results and establishment of the new cabinet BASC continue our engagement programme with politicians from all parties.
“All 60 members of the Senedd have already been contacted. With BASC members in every constituency and region, it is important that all members of the Senedd understand the importance of sustainable shooting to their locality and Wales more generally.
“The First Minister has made it clear that the environment will be at the heart of all decision making for his next government. The work of BASC and our members aligns with that ambition, but we are clear that all decisions that impact our members must involve stakeholders and be evidence based.”
With Welsh Labour in power, they have the mandate to implement their manifesto proposals over the five-year Senedd term. Their manifesto outlines proposals to introduce registration for animal welfare establishments, applying to commercial breeders for shooting. It also lays out plans to ban the use of snares in Wales. Following the publication of the manifesto BASC highlighted several concerns with the proposals*.
Bronwen continued: “The next few years are crucial for our members and sport as businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. It is important that the new Welsh Government remains supportive of sustainable shooting and all the conservation, economic and social well-being benefits it provides.”
