Debbie BASC Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 MPs to quiz Defra and Natural England on general licence chaos May 9, 2019 A one-off evidence session allowing MPs to question Defra and Natural England on the general licence chaos will hopefully “paint a clearer picture” of how the decision was reached and provide clarity on the way forward, says BASC. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has asked Defra Ministers and the interim chief executive of Natural England, Marian Spain, to give evidence on May 21. The session will focus on the events that led to the controversial decision being taken, the handling of the media fallout, the issuing and effectiveness of new general licences and the subsequent action taken by the Secretary of State. BASC and other rural organisations have heavily criticized NE’s decision to withdraw the general licences at a crucial time in the countryside calendar without consultation or warning. BASC has approached the committee to say that shooting organisations must be included in the session for the evidence to be balanced. Ian Danby, BASC’s head of biodiversity, said: “We are glad the committee is drilling down into this decision, the way it came about and the subsequent chaos that has been wreaked across the English countryside and beyond. “We hope the session will paint a clearer picture of what has happened, provide clarity for the way ahead and ensure this chaos is not repeated.” In announcing the session, committee chair Neil Parish MP said: “We feel it is our committee’s duty to question why such a step was taken and whether there are any alternative methods available. “We invited the Ministers and Natural England to give us a much clearer picture of how they reached this decision and how they plan to move forward given the fallout that has followed their announcement.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 Thanks for the update Debbie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 Let's hope they ask the right questions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 I look forward to a sensible explanation and a reasonable plan out of this mess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 53 minutes ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: I look forward to a sensible explanation and a reasonable plan out of this mess. I would advise against holding your breath then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbo33 Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 (edited) It would be expected, if those responsible were stripped of their jobs and pensions for what could be perceived as gross negligence. After all, NE, under the control of Marian Spain and latterly Tony Juniper, through their negligence, put all of us in a situation whereby we could have been prosecuted for illegal activities. Three people, crowd funded and brought the rural economy, wildlife and animal welfare to its knees. The cost to the the countryside and income derived from it is immeasurable. They only had £36,000, and probably have change from that! It could have created a media storm, and consequently destroyed peoples lives with criminal records. This is not a, " Lessons must be learnt" excuse, it is absolutely appalling. It has divided the country, allegedly invoked threats of murder, and will have had a catastrophic effect on farming, wildlife, businesses etc. It is, without doubt, a fundamental turning point in our history. Edited May 9, 2019 by turbo33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted May 9, 2019 Report Share Posted May 9, 2019 13 minutes ago, Yellow Bear said: I would advise against holding your breath then. But I can DREAM, can't I? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.