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

Scottish Government to press ahead with food price caps

Scottish Government to press ahead with food price caps

QMS, NFUS and GB Potatoes were amongst businesses urging First Minister against plans to ‘establish legal price ceilings on some essential food items’

Alex Black
clock 05 September 2026 • 2 min read
NFU president sets out union's asks at Reform UK conference, saying it will take more than scrapping family farm tax to restore farmer confidence

NFU president sets out union's asks at Reform UK conference, saying it will take more than scrapping family farm tax to restore farmer confidence

Reform MP Danny Kruger promises to transform Defra with the department run by farmers and those who care for the countryside

Jane Thynne
clock 05 September 2026 • 3 min read
Reform deputy Richard Tice says ditching 'duff' regulations is key to boosting self-sufficiency

Reform deputy Richard Tice says ditching 'duff' regulations is key to boosting self-sufficiency

Speaking to FG, Mr Tice said Reform would back 'farmers to the hilt' in order to build on their ambition

Jane Thynne
clock 05 September 2026 • 2 min read