"Labour Protecting Animals" pledge - we seek clarification

As reported in last week's issue, the Labour Party has launched a "Protecting Animals Pledge" which makes some confusing statements on issues including "shooting estates" as well as snares and raptors. Countryside Alliance Director of Shooting Adrian Blackmore has since written to Shadow Environment Secretary Maria Eagle MP asking for clarification on several of the issues raised. Adrian has written: "We were...surprised and confused by your focus on shooting and your Pledge to "reduce the suffering of animals on shooting estates". Shooting in the UK has over 600,000 participants and prides itself on the highest environmental and welfare standards. We are very concerned about the assumption implied by the pledge that shooting is intrinsically 'cruel', and are confused by your classification. Shoots take an endless variety of forms, and most would never be described as 'estates'. Does Labour have a plan to define 'shooting estates'?"

We will report back as and when the Shadow Environment Secretary responds.