Labour calls for public inquiry into grouse shooting

The move has been welcomed by anti-shooting campaigners and follows calls for a national ban that are being backed by local MPs including Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West).

It also comes in the same month that Ban Bloodsports on Yorkshire’s Moors (BBYM) and others have been hailing the end of grouse shooting on Ilkley Moor.

Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Sue Hayman MP, said: "This grouse season Labour is calling on the Government not only to mandate the end of rotational heather burning but to launch an independent review into the economic, environmental and wildlife impacts of driven grouse shooting - and to model some of the alternatives that could replace the trade in rural areas.

"We would protect jobs as well as our natural environment, water quality and some of the UK’s most beautiful and endangered birds of prey."

BBYM spokesman Luke Steele said: "The Shadow Secretary of State must be commended for committing the Labour Party to supporting a public inquiry into grouse shooting, and recognising the considerable toll on wildlife, environment and regional economy which comes with the practice remaining legal.

"As we have seen this Glorious Twelfth, grouse shooting is so unsustainable that something as simple as a change in weather can result in the industry falling apart and all purported economic advantages lost.

"Simulated grouse shooting, which replicates traditional grouse shooting in every way - except the guns are firing at clay disks hurtling through the air - proves a reliable replacement for the uplands, with considerable economic and employment potential.

"Unlike its game bird counterpart, simulated grouse shooting provides unlimited bags, no closed season and added provision of full-time jobs for everyone involved.

"When coupled with removing the incentive for purging the uplands of wildlife, burning heather to increase red grouse numbers, and the flooding which comes with degraded peat bog, it’s a win-win scenario."

Mr Sobel is also backing the call for an inquiry. He said: "I find the practice of grouse shooting and its long-term costs for wildlife, the environment and local communities concerning."

The Countryside Alliance, however, has criticised the move as 'another example of Labour's slide towards animal rights extremism'.

Chief Executive Tim Bonner said: "The low grouse numbers we are seeing this year are costing hard working people thousands of pounds across rural areas.

"Instead of showing compassion and understanding, Labour is threatening to condemn them to lost income and livelihoods in perpetuity.

"The Countryside Alliance will continue to be open to working with any MP interested in developing policies that work for rural Britain."