George Monbiot’s Twitter account, @GeorgeMonbiot, is echoing the feelings of many readers of this blog when he comes out strongly in support of a ban on driven grouse shooting.
And as a result of widespread support after Fred the eagle took to the seas, some Twitter activity by Chris Packham and George Monbiot’s intervention, Gavin Gamble’s e-petition is now racing along again (update tomorrow). But if you haven’t already persuaded all your Guardian-reading friends to sign Gavin Gamble’s e-petition to ban driven grouse shooting, then a mention of support from George Monbiot may well send them to their keyboards. Sign here please.
PS thanks for your patience while blog was down (Friday-Monday lunchtime). And thank you for messages saying that you were missing it!
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Meanwhile, he feels a petition calling for licensing is ‘feeble’…
George Monbiot is wrong to describe the petition for licensing ‘feeble’ and equivalent to licensing river pollution. George Monbiot has singularly failed to examine the conditions of such a license – which is a professional failure on his part.
I want a ban, but licensing will inevitably lead to a ban depending upon its very easy to monitor conditions. George Monboit has apparently failed to read Ed’s contribution to Mark’s blog on the matter.
George’s logic is impeccable if based on Inglorious, which i assume it is, i.e. that driven grouse shooting is dependent on and profits from crime and ecosystem and environmental destruction.
In fact you are supporting his argument by saying it will inevitably lead to a ban.
They are the same. A licence is trying to licence illegal activity hence comparable with licensing river pollution. Licensing is just a slow motion ban which will drag on for decades.
I was astonished how George could say something so obviously spot on in just a handful of words. It was cruel but true.
Thank goodness your blog is back.
Eddie – awwww! Thank you!
Good for George. Nail on Head again, as ever when it comes to the environment!