51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

Wetherby and Easingwold MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke writes on how the shooting industry plays an important role to the economy and rural way of life, the countryside's backlash to the proposed shotgun licence merger, and why the Government risks breaking the very spirit that's sustained farming communities for generations

clock • 3 min read
Sir Alec Shelbrooke said: "Setting aside the literal death knell summoned by the family farm tax, the latest assault on traditions, such as trail hunting, and now threats to make it harder to get a shotgun licence could make the quiet determination to simply carry on much more difficult. Before the final horn blows on the last drive of the 2026/27 season, ministers should take stock and abandon their proposals."
Image:

Sir Alec Shelbrooke said: "Setting aside the literal death knell summoned by the family farm tax, the latest assault on traditions, such as trail hunting, and now threats to make it harder to get a shotgun licence could make the quiet determination to simply carry on much more difficult. Before the final horn blows on the last drive of the 2026/27 season, ministers should take stock and abandon their proposals."

The rural way of life is under attack. The forces driving change in our communities are varied. LISTEN NOW: Farming families face higher fixed costs and volatile profit margins in competition...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Fair funding for Welsh agriculture is a key priority says NFU Cymru ahead of Senedd elections

Fair funding for Welsh agriculture is a key priority says NFU Cymru ahead of Senedd elections

NFU Cymru deputy president Paul Williams outlines why the next Welsh Government must commit to providing a budget to support the continued sustainable growth of the food and farming sector in Wales

clock 16 April 2026 • 2 min read
'Eat meat and drink beer' - Gov's response to possibility of UK food and CO2 shortages

'Eat meat and drink beer' - Gov's response to possibility of UK food and CO2 shortages

Is the UK prepared for potential food and CO2 shortages if war in the Middle East continues beyond the summer?

Chris Brayford
clock 16 April 2026 • 3 min read
From the editor: Pragmatic approach to uplands policy is the right one

From the editor: Pragmatic approach to uplands policy is the right one

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 16 April 2026 • 2 min read