Countryside Alliance campaigning trip to Brussels

The Countryside Alliance was represented by Chief Executive, Tim Bonner at a FACE UK reception (European Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation) in the European Parliament on Tuesday 16 February. A large number of UK MEPs attended from all parties and Anthea McIntyre MEP addressed attendees on the most pressing issues facing the 10 million hunters and shooters in the EU, namely the review of the Firearms Directive and possible re-opening of Birds and Habitats Directives. The reception was followed by a series of individual meetings with MEPs the following day

Firearms Directive

The European Parliament is currently considering the proposed amendments to the Firearms Directive. The Countryside Alliance, as part of FACE UK, is promoting an e-lobby of MEPs to raise concerns about the effects of the proposed amendments on the shooting community. We believe there is no evidence to suggest that imposing further restrictions on lawful possession and use are likely to be of any benefit in the fight against terrorism. In particular we are concerned about the introduction of mandatory five year ceilings for firearms certificates, measures to make it harder for young people to acquire firearms, the introduction of compulsory medical checks, a ban on certain semi-automatic rifles and a complete ban on deactivated fully automatic firearms.

Birds and Habitats Directives

Earlier this month the European Parliament voted, by 592 to 52 votes, not to reopen the Birds and Habitats Directives for potential amendments. The Commission will make the final decision on the Directives later this year but the UK Government along with the governments of France, Italy, Spain and Germany have all stated that they do not want the Directives to be re-opened. The Countryside Alliance, along with other groups including the RSPB, also support this view.