for Angling Trust plans

Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems all pledge support

THREE major political parties have pledged to support and improve angling in the next Parliament.

The news comes just weeks after the Angling Trust’s 2017 Manifesto for Angling was released in a bid to get politicians and political parties to share their voice on how they can contribute to angling.

David Beckingham, from Conservative Campaign HQ, revealed his party’s thoughts for supporting the cause. “The Conservative Party recognises the huge enjoyment that angling brings to millions of people across the country and the fact that it is one of our most accessible sports.

“Anglers not only make a significant contribution to the economy – around £3.5 billion a year – but they are the eyes and ears of our rivers and the wider water environment,” he said.

Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Sue Hayman, said: “Labour has always been a strong and steadfast supporter of anglers’ rights.

“We were the first political party to publish a Charter for Angling and we believe it is important that young people have the maximum opportunity to enjoy healthy outdoor pursuits.”

Finally, the Liberal Democrats had their say. Campaign spokesperson and candidate Ed Davey said: “We are proud of our angling communities and our fisheries and will do what we can to protect and promote them. The benefits to health and well-being, our sense of community and our economy are huge.”

Angling Trust chief executive Mark Lloyd welcomed the cross party commitment, saying: “We are delighted that all three of the main parties have responded positively and substantively to our Manifesto for Angling.

“Over the eight years since the Angling Trust was formed, we have substantially increased recognition of the importance of angling to the environment, the economy, individuals and communities.

“We will be holding the next government to these promises to guarantee anglers’ rights, and press it to do everything possible to protect fish stocks from a wide range of threats.”

“We are delighted all three main parties have responded positively”