Thank you for contacting me about grouse shooting.
I share your concerns over the illegal persecution of raptors and I would encourage anyone with information about it to report what they know to the authorities. I believe that the Government's commitment to tackling wildlife crime was highlighted by its decision to fund the UK's specialist National Wildlife Crime Unit fully until at least 2020.
With regard to concerns about the impact of grouse shooting on moorland, in my view game management can make an important contribution to biodiversity by providing cover for wildlife, and through the creation and care of habitats such as woodland, grouse moors, beetle banks and hedgerows.
You may be interested to know that the vast majority of grouse moors that are sites of special scientific interest are now in favourable or recovering condition, whereas only around half were in that state in 2006. This reflects growing awareness among moorland managers of the importance and sensitivity of upland biodiversity.
Game management plays an important role in the rural economy, generating income and employment in some of our most remote communities. For example, shooting contributes in the region of £2 billion to the rural economy and supports the equivalent of around 70,000 full-time jobs. I will therefore continue to support shooting sports and the rights of all those who wish to use firearms safely and in accordance with the law.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.