As well as the good news for me in the March British Birds, there is a more substantial piece of news (as well as lots of other good stuff): a report by Prof Ian Newton FRS on the lead ammunition debate.
At the beginning of his concluding remarks Ian writes ‘My own view is that a legislative ban is needed on the use of lead in all ammunition used for hunting‘.
Quite right!
If you share that view then please sign the e-petition in Rob Sheldon‘s name that calls for a ban.
This article provides a thorough review of the lead issue by one of our most respected scientists. Interestingly, he praises MPs Gerald Jones, Alex Cunningham and Carolyn Harris for their contributions in the lead debate held in Westminster Hall and describes them as showing themselves to be well-informed and understanding the science.
In contrast (Ian’s own words), Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Simon Hart and Rishi Sunak showed themselves to be ‘dismissive or ignorant of the science’. Knowing Ian as I do, that’s as close as we’ll ever see the great man giving anyone a thorough tongue-lashing in public.
So, follow the science please, and get signing that e-petition.
[registration_form]
Ian is a giant of a man whose opinoon should be trusted and respected by everyone involved in this debate. We need wise people like Ian to guide us through the minefield of information on this complex topic.
It is frustrating that those who are ignorant or dismissive of the science seem to hold excessive influence over the SoS and her ministers. Nevertheless, as people of the standing of Ian Newton add their voice to the debate it will become increasingly untenable for the government to ignore the harm done by lead ammunition.
The USA has a lot of problems with lead in water (from old pipes) and old paint dust at present:- http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/04/us/lead-paint-contamination-persists-in-many-cities-as-cleanup-falters.html.
They are very concerned about the effect on children – lowering IQ and contributing to behavioural problems and even violence.
Perhaps that may explain the intransigence of the shooting fraternity to act for the common good? They are consuming lead in their so-called healthy natural game meat and it’s affecting their behaviour? Has anyone tested gamekeepers children for lead levels?
“A 2015 study of Chicago elementary school students concluded that blood lead concentrations of five to nine micrograms explained up to 15 percent of failing grades in reading and math.”
Perhaps a full copy of Prof. Newton’s report could be sent to the completely useful and totally competent Ms E Truss.
Trustless – “totally competent” …. we can dream? Particularly if we recall her [In]Action Plan? Too many ‘healthy natural game’ burgers with toxic lead additatives?
Also assumes she’d be able to understand it [Prof. Newton’s report], and when has defra done science recently? First year of the badger culls & then when it [monitoring] wasn’t what they wanted ….
A politician more interested in ‘pole climbing’ than the environment or wildlife?
I’m not sure that DEFRA “do” science anymore, especially when it comes to wildlife.
The case against lead is so overwhelming, banning lead is a win for food standards, a win for health, particularly of children, a win for the environment and for wildlife.
Ah! but it will temporarily piss off a crowd of unscientific, Tory traditionalists that couldn’t give a monkey’s toss for those things if there is even the remotest possibility that it will interfere with the pleasure of shooting wildlife for fun (which it won’t anyway). Case closed.
Paul – many thanks!
The thing is, if the public support science through their taxes, they have the right to expect it to be undertaken in a rigorous, neutral way with results peer reviewed and placed in the public domain, whether or not they support the objectives of the project. Now if we can leave funding of science to corporate entities, however….