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EXCLUSIVE - George Freeman: "The real risk posed by the Government's shotgun licensing proposal is not to public safety, but to our rural way of life"

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman writes on why Labour's reforms to shotgun licensing are 'misguided'. Instead, he argues why the shooting industry plays a crucial role in the heartlands of farming communities, the rural economy, to rural conservation, and people's enjoyment of country sports

clock • 4 min read
Conservative MP George Freeman said: "Game shooting brings much-needed income to rural economies, supporting local butchers and small businesses and providing healthy and sustainable food. Country sports are becoming increasingly important pillars of a rural economy already under huge pressure from high energy costs and agricultural disinvestment."
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Conservative MP George Freeman said: "Game shooting brings much-needed income to rural economies, supporting local butchers and small businesses and providing healthy and sustainable food. Country sports are becoming increasingly important pillars of a rural economy already under huge pressure from high energy costs and agricultural disinvestment."

The Home Office proposal to lump shotgun licensing in with tighter controls historically reserved for rifles and other firearms marks a significant step in Whitehall hostility to country sports, the rural...

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