The Rt. Hon. Alistair Carmichael MP emphasised the importance of building consensus with rural communities during BASC’s rural reception at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton this week.
Carmichael, recently appointed chair of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee, addressed a packed audience, asserting that his party would play a prominent role as a rural voice in Westminster following the general election.
“The Liberals are back as a political force in Britain’s rural communities, and there is no time to waste to unpick some of the damage done previously,” said Carmichael. “I am excited to take on the EFRA Select Committee role in the House of Commons. We now need people of good intentions within rural communities to get behind our work.”
He also expressed optimism about building consensus: “We need to go on a journey together, and I hope it should not be too difficult to build a consensus. As a party, we build our success on rural Britain, and we know one size does not fit all. Parliament needs to be responsive to rural communities.”
Carmichael thanked BASC for its long-standing support of the Liberal Democrats, especially during challenging times: “BASC has been loyal to the Liberals through the lean years, and I am pleased to see the association continuing to support us now. Personally, I know the Select Committee needs to have the best possible engagement with organisations such as BASC in the year ahead.”
The reception, jointly hosted with the Angling Trust, also featured newly elected Liberal Democrat MP Brian Mathew, who acknowledged the importance of shooting sports to rural Britain: “I am aware of the benefits of shooting to rural Britain. We all rejoice in nature, and we have to do our best to make sure our countryside is protected.”
The event reinforced the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to fostering strong ties with rural communities and key organisations in the lead-up to the general election.
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