I agreed with Chris’ criticism of the environmentally destructive practices associated with driven grouse shooting, such as heather burning, illegal persecution of hen harriers and the extermination of other predators, often by cruel methods, like traps and snares, which can end up killing endangered species too.

It is clear that, despite talk about the conservation value of grouse shooting, the reality is that this is not about conservation at all; it’s a blood-sport that devastates the surrounding environment and delivers little economic benefit, except for rich landowners. The Tory MPs attending the debate spoke very confidently in support of grouse shooting, but none of their claims about conservation stand up to scrutiny.