Stuart Anderson MP has warned that the countryside in South Shropshire is under attack from a Labour Government that is intent on destroying the rural way of life by banning trail hunting and restricting game-bird shooting, despite the activities enormous contribution to the rural economy and conservation efforts.
- Stuart is urging residents to respond to a public consultation on trail hunting before it closes on 18th June 2026.
- Almost 500 residents have already contacted to express their opposition.
- Ministers have also announced a crackdown on game-bird shooting.
- Stuart is worried about the impact on the rural economy and conservation efforts.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
“Our wonderful countryside is the jewel in the crown of South Shropshire. As someone who grew up hunting, shooting, and fishing, I am appalled that this Labour Government is intent on destroying the rural way of life by banning trail hunting and restricting game-bird shooting, despite their enormous contribution to the rural economy and conservation efforts. I know from my own experience and from conversations with hundreds of constituents that trail hunting is an indispensable tradition which can be enjoyed in full compliance with the law and, crucially, without the deliberate involvement of any live prey. Meanwhile, restrictions on game-bird shooting could damage an industry that contributes £3.3 billion to the economy and carries out £500 million worth of conservation work each year - equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs and 14 million workdays. These activities result from centuries of local tradition and support the rural livelihoods of our publicans, vets, saddlers, feed merchants, farmers, and the wider equestrian sector. I am sickened to see how they are being left out of the national conversation, which is largely dictated by those in Whitehall who have never experienced these activities that contribute so much.”
Stuart’s renewed concerns follow publication of the Government’s Land Use Framework on 18th March 2026. It revealed that the UK’s classifications of agricultural land will be updated. As 84% of land in South Shropshire is classified as agricultural, Stuart is worried that this means local farmers could be told whether their land would be better used for other purposes. Stuart has said that this would add insult to injury after the Family Farm and Business Tax has seen more than six thousand agricultural businesses closed since it was announced in October 2024.
The Land Use Framework also outlined measures to license game-bird shooting and release, with the introduction of conditions that could restrict when pheasants and partridges are released onto estates. While the government has said that any changes would be subject to public consultation, Stuart has warned against inflicting any damage on an industry that carries out £500 million worth of conservation work each year. This is equivalent to 26,000 full-time jobs and 14 million workdays. Shooting also contributes £3.3 billion to the UK's economy annually and supports 146,700 jobs.
Stuart has also renewed his opposition to plans to ban trail hunting in England and Wales. The government has launched a consultation that is now open until 18th June 2026. Almost 500 residents have already contacted Stuart to express their opposition to the ban. Stuart has said that the timing of the consultation means a ban could be in place before the next season which starts in the autumn. He has said that this would be catastrophic for an industry that contributes over £100 million to the rural economy every year. The measure was announced as part of the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, which was published on 22nd December 2025 - after Parliament had risen for Christmas recess on 18th December 2025. The government said trail hunting is a “smokescreen” to hunt wild animals. However, Stuart said that trail hunting can be enjoyed in full compliance with the law and, crucially, without the deliberate involvement of any live prey.
1,899 people responded to Stuart’s survey on the ban, with 63% of respondents voting against the proposal. At the time, Stuart described it as the latest episode in an ongoing series of assaults on rural communities like South Shropshire. Stuart has said that the results strengthen the case against the ban. Stuart has added that the plans show a blatant disregard for countryside traditions, with both activities forming an integral part of the way of life and enormous contributor to the rural economy.
