This afternoon, I took part in the Westminster Hall Debate on Grouse Shooting. While I personally have never been grouse shooting, in a constituency where London blends into the countryside, it is part of a wider debate about how we support and engage with our green and pleasant land, and an opportunity to highlight the importance of conserving its character.
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner is also home to Holland & Holland, an ancient London gunmaker, which is a source of local employment and a creator of opportunities for young people to take up this sport.
I have a great interest in nature and biodiversity. I am incredibly proud of the natural beauty that is found at the edge of London, and I am keen to ensure that these habitats are preserved for local wildlife. We cannot ignore that many of these habitats have been created by human hands. From chalk streams that are almost unique to the UK such as the Colne Valley, to our ancient woodlands, human management is vital to protect these environments.
Put bluntly, these unique habitats that we take for granted are only possible because of human management. In my view, a responsible approach to animal management is necessary and by abdicating our responsibilities it will only be to the detriment of biodiversity and animal welfare.
The full speech can be viewed here (time: 17:25:05).
