Statement on e-petition to see grouse shooting banned

The Countryside Alliance's Head of Shooting Campaigns, Liam Stokes, has responded to the news that a petition to see grouse shooting banned has reached 100,000 signatures: "Whilst it is unfortunate that people have been misled into signing a petition against such a valuable conservation tool, it is a predictable feature of the social media echo chamber. Clicking a hyperlink is not indicative of strength of feeling or commitment to a cause. If a parliamentary debate is triggered then we shall welcome the opportunity to broadcast the facts about grouse shooting, the real, hard work of conservation that maintains our uplands and their wildlife for all to enjoy. Debate is good, debate is where the truth comes out. In the meantime, let's get on with having the best season possible while bringing the multifaceted benefits of game shooting to the rural landscape, economy and communities."

Follow Liam on Twitter @LNJStokes and follow the shooting campaign @CA_Shooting