Scotland's First Minister Promises Investigation Into NatureScot Licences

Pressure from our campaign got the data released - now there is to be a full review of  NatureScot's wildlife licences - Scotland's first minister said the lethal control figures "cause us all to pause and reflect" and has promised an investigation.

Last month our campaign successfully pressured NatureScot into releasing its wildlife licensing data into the public domain, so that everyone could see the alarming statistics.
I reported on this breakthrough and hailed it as a significant success for our campaign.

Fast forward to September and some media outlets finally commented on the shocking figures that the data revealed.
It's somewhat grating that none of those reporting the news gave a nod to our campaign, without which they probably wouldn't have the figures in the first place, however it's enough to know that we enabled the wider public to be made aware of the Scottish wildlife culls - and that has always been one of our primary aims.
That said, it's still particularly frustrating that some animal welfare organisations have apparently expressed their 'shock' at the figures - in my opinion these animal welfare organisations should have made it their business to know what was going on under their noses, long ago.

As some readers will know, NatureScot actually sent me the licence data earlier this year, as part of a freedom of information request, although it took months to persuade them to publish it openly for all to see, which they finally did - and that couldn't have happened without the support and backing of 400,000 people behind our campaign, so well done all.

Scottish first minister promises investigation
Earlier this month, in response to a parliamentary question raised by Christine Grahame, convener of the cross-party group on animal welfare, the Scottish first minister, Humza Yousaf,  promised an 'investigation' into the shocking levels of officially sanctioned killing in Scotland.
He said that the numbers cause us all "to pause and to reflect"; he added that the government will undertake a "full review of the species licensing system" and he will ensure that the appropriate cabinet minister investigates the numbers raised.
(there's a video clip at the end of  this post)
I wouldn't be holding your breath though, you see I'm cynical and in my experience it takes more than a little prompting to remind politicians of their promises. But it's a good start.

With the successful release of both NatureScot and Natural England licence data, I think we can take a moment to pat ourselves on the back for these major successes of our campaigning. It's been a hard slog, albeit one that has been well worth while - indeed essential - for the benefit of both wildlife welfare and public awareness.

The campaign continues
So, in achieving another one of our goals, I'm expecting a quieter period for our campaign - but please rest assured that I will continue to keep a watch over the activities of these government nature agencies and I'll be renewing pressure on them when the next set of statistics is due. Natural England generally publish theirs in the first quarter of the year but you might remember that they are sometimes a little 'shy' when it comes to releasing their figures and I've had to cajole them in previous years.
I'll also be following up with them regarding the Black-headed gull egg licences before the next harvesting season is due to begin, to ensure that the practice is outlawed.

That's all for now but I'll keep everyone in the loop with any developments in the meantime.
Best,
Jase

Link to our campaign: HERE
Link to NatureScot data: HERE
Link to Natural England data: HERE

Below: Christine Grahame, convener of the cross-party group on animal welfare, asks Scotland's first minister about the licences.