The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Im not a BASC member but have sent off my email to my local candidates, will keep you informed.

Jean Lambert, Green party MEP: Against and does'nt consider shooting animals a sport.

Syed Kamall, Con MEP: Will get back to me in the next 21 days.

Another reply today, Andrew Duff, Liberal.

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for your recent letter concerning shooting sports and for asking my views on the matter.

Most certainly, I am in favour of shooting as a sport being conducted according to best practice. The European Union's rules aim precisely at this: ensuring that shooting sports are, on the one hand, recognised as fully legitimate and, on the other, that far reaching standards of protection of biodiversity, sustainability of hunting practices and the respect of the various international agreements are carefully applied.

In this sense, FACE (Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU), as well as many other relevant associations, must be thanked for their active engagement with the EU representatives and institutions. Your contributions to the shaping of the European Union's policies on this field is of paramount importance for the creation of a well-informed and focussed discussions on hunting and shooting sports.

Best wishes to your campaign,

Andrew Duff MEP (Liberal Democrat, East of England)

Spokesman on Constitutional Affairs, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE)

Syed Kamal has replied.
Thank you for your email.

As Conservatives, we recognise that shooting is an integral part of rural life and is enjoyed by many thousands of people.

It helps underpin the social and economic fabric of the countryside, with wages and profits being ploughed back into the local economy benefitting many activities not directly associated with shooting. In addition to providing employment, shooting makes a significant contribution to the conservation and management of our countryside and the habitats and species it supports.

The Conservative party will continue to support and protect the right of people to engage in legal shooting activities.

Regards,

Syed

Syed Kamall MEP (London)
Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament
www.syedkamall.com

IsleShoot wrote:I think out of the twenty odd candidates I emailed, I've had 6 responses and at least two of those where very anti!

To be honest, I think BASC have also let themselves down a bit too, the responses I forwarded on to their dedicated email address have had no acknowledgment and the status of the MEP on the website has remained as 'unknown'.

On the upside this little exercise has helped me decide who I'm going to vote for in May.

BASC is updating the list of MEP candidates. I don't know the criteria for updating but they might be waiting for a certain number of responses before stating someone is for against or neutral.

I have also sent the email...my mailing list was:

Mrs Marta Andreasen MEP
Mr Nirj Deva MEP
Mr Daniel Hannan MEP
Mr Keith Taylor MEP
Ms. Dinti Batstone
Mr. Ian Bearder
Mr. Alan Bullion
Ms. Anneliese Dodds
Mr. Jonathan Essex
Ms. Beverley Golden
Mr. Giles Goodall
Mr. Anthony Hook
Mr. John Howarth
Mr. George Jeffrey
Ms. Miriam Kennet
Mr. Jason Kitcat
Ms. Karen Landles
Mr. Rory Love
Ms. Julie Marson
Ms. Farah Nazeer
Mr. Adrian Pepper
Ms. Alexandra Phillips
Mr. Alan Stevens
Mr. James Swindlehurst
Mr. Bruce Tennent
Mr. Derek Wall
Ms. Emily Westley

First response from Mr. Alan Bullion (Liberal Democrats / ALDE): 'Yes to both'

Another reply:

Dear Adam,

Many thanks for emailing me about this but my answers to both of your questions are 'no'.

All the best,
Alex

Alexandra Phillips, Councillor for Goldsmid ward, Hove

2014 Green Euro-MP Candidate for the South East region

@alex4europe

07908260528

Better late than never and it ticks most of the boxes however the last line is a bit of a worry...

Thank you for your email regarding the EU’s further attempt to interfere with British governance on the issue of firearm ownership.

The UK already has a great deal many controls and restrictions on firearm ownership, and because of this I don’t believe that further restrictions are needed. The requirements already put in place for those individuals who own a gun, either for sport or profession, are more than enough. Rather than limiting criminal activity, further firearm control will most likely only affect law abiding citizens.

It is examples of EU interference such as this that reinforce why I believe Britain should exit the European Union once and for all. We must have control of our own laws and legislation rather than be dictated to by unelected officials in Brussels.

I do believe in safe, responsible ownership and use of firearms, and when possible I will indeed support UK shooters to the best of my abilities.

Yours sincerely,


David Campbell Bannerman MEP
Conservative Member of the European Parliament for the East of England