Unleaded!

“We wish to see an end to both lead and single-use plastics in ammunition used by those taking all live quarry with shotguns within five years … ”

So read the second half of the opening sentence of the announcement by a consortium of organisations that represent shooting interests in the UK. In all, there were nine signatories to the statement that was released on Monday 24 February: BASC, GWCT, Countryside Alliance, National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, CLA, the Moorland Association, British Game Alliance, Scottish Land and Estates, and the Scottish Association for Country Sports.

The statement went on to assert that recent advances in technology with regard to the quality and availability of non-lead shotgun cartridges, recyclable plastic cases and biodegradable cups for steel shot “have enabled the transition to take place”.

It ended by saying the phased transition away from lead was a necessary measure to safeguard wildlife and the environment. The signatories issued a rallying cry and called upon the wider shooting community to support and engage with the initiative.

But why was the announcement made when it was, who knew about it beforehand, and what were the reasons for making it?

The Q&A produced with the statement from the