Earlier this week I escaped the searing heat and crossed the Irish Sea. Although the weather was cooler there, the political debate surrounding rural communities was becoming increasingly heated. With proposals affecting both hunting and shooting under discussion at Stormont, many people in rural Northern Ireland are concerned about what the future may hold.
The long-running political obsession with hunting has once again returned to the fore. Having previously failed to secure sufficient support for a ban, despite strong opposition from Countryside Alliance Ireland, John Blair MLA has brought the issue back before the Assembly. Why this remains such a political priority for some remains unclear to many in rural communities, particularly at a time when households are grappling with rising costs and pressure on public services. However, after Sinn Féin voted at last month’s Ard Fheis, by a narrow margin, to support a ban, the issue has returned to the political agenda once again.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s shooting community has also been responding to proposals to increase firearms licensing fees by more than 150% — from £98 to £250 — as part of a move towards “full cost recovery” for the licensing system. The Department of Justice argued that certificate holders currently contribute only around 40% of the administrative cost. However, many people across Northern Ireland questioned why they should pay significantly more for a system that they believe already delivers an unsatisfactory level of service, including lengthy delays and inconsistent communication.
Faced with challenges on both issues, Countryside Alliance Ireland worked to ensure that the concerns of rural communities were heard clearly and constructively.
A major campaign was launched encouraging people to contact their MLAs regarding the proposed firearms licensing fee increases. Thousands took part, ensuring rural voices were strongly represented at Stormont.
At the same time, members of the hunting community and their supporters also contacted Assembly Members to express their opposition to the proposed Bill.
Countryside Alliance Ireland also commissioned a detailed legal opinion from former Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin. Mr Larkin supported concerns already raised by the Alliance, arguing that the Bill was drafted too broadly and could potentially have unintended consequences, including affecting ordinary dog owners and creating difficulties for farmers seeking to control vermin such as rats using terriers.
On Tuesday (26 May), representatives and members from Countryside Alliance Ireland, alongside those from the Fermanagh Harriers and East Antrim Hounds, attended Stormont with hounds to raise their concerns directly with politicians and the media.
Yesterday evening (27 May), brought a significant development on the firearms licensing issue. Naomi Long, Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister, confirmed that the proposed fee increases would not proceed. In a letter to Countryside Alliance Ireland Director, Gary McCartney, the Minister stated that she accepted the concerns raised and had withdrawn the proposals. The decision was warmly welcomed by the Countryside Alliance after their victorious campaign.
The debate over hunting legislation, however, continues. At the second reading of John Blair’s Bill on Tuesday, MLAs voted for the legislation to proceed to the next stage. However, it is still far from becoming law and substantial questions remain about what the legislation is ultimately intended to achieve. Political parties continue to hold differing views on key aspects of the Bill, and it remains unclear how those differences can be reconciled. Countryside Alliance Ireland has said it will continue to oppose the ban throughout the legislative process.
Across the UK, from Hampshire to the Highlands and on both sides of the Irish Sea, many rural communities feel increasing pressure from political decisions affecting traditional countryside activities. However, the situation in Northern Ireland also demonstrates the importance of rural communities working together - whether involved in hunting, shooting, fishing, or farming - to ensure their views are properly represented and understood.
Trail hunting also faces an uncertain future in England and Wales. Last week, we took GB News to Yorkshire to highlight the potential impact that a ban could have on rural communities there, including those employed in hunt service as well as associated professions such as farriers, vets and publicans. We would like to thank everyone involved in putting their views across in this news story, particularly the Bedale Hunt. Since it aired, many people have taken action by signing our e-lobby opposing the proposed ban.
There is still time for people to make their voices heard. If you support rural communities and traditional countryside activities, please take a moment to sign the Future for Hunting e-lobby and send a message to both the government and your MP about the importance of protecting rural livelihoods and ways of life.