Will new Defra secretary give backing to fieldsports?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s appointment of Steve Reed as Secretary of State for Defra may be a cause for cautious optimism for the rural electorate. Mr Reed, who has shadowed the Defra brief since 2023, has urged the new Government to foster a “respectful relationship with the countryside”. 

He was elected to the newly created seat of Streatham and Croydon North, winning more than 23,000 votes, and was named in Starmer’s cabinet on 5 July. He has previously served as Shadow Justice Secretary and as Leader of Lambeth Council. Prior to entering politics, his professional background was in educational publishing. 

Ahead of the momentous election on 4 July, Mr Reed urged Labour to become the “party of the countryside” and has restoring confidence among the farming community. At BASC’s reception at the Labour Party Conference last autumn, Mr Reed spoke of his party’s aim to have a “respectful relationship” with the countryside, including “supporting shooting that is sustainable and conducted according to the law”. 

Christopher Graffius, BASC’s director of communications and public affairs, said the organisation was “encouraged by the positive comments made by Mr Reed at our reception at the Labour Party Conference last year, and we look forward to working with him for the benefit of shooting and conservation”. 

Mr Reed has already announced Defra’s five priorities for the next term: to clean up rivers, lakes and seas; create a roadmap to move Britain to a zero-waste economy; to boost food security; to ensure nature’s recovery; and protect communities from flooding. BASC has written to Mr Reed to request a meeting at the earliest opportunity to discuss further his commitments to support sustainable shooting and conservation. 

The Countryside Alliance’s chief executive Tim Bonner commented: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Steve Reed and wish him every success in his role. From tackling rural crime; championing farmers and producers; recognising the role of wildlife management and the value of trail-hunting, shooting and fishing; and delivering a connected countryside, the issues facing the new Defra team are complex and broad. 

“Both Steve Reed and the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, have talked about respecting the countryside and have acknowledged their own party’s past failings when approaching our rural community. 

“Time will tell if these words are put into action, but the Countryside Alliance stands willing and ready to work with the Government to achieve results for the countryside,” he added.