Benyon the 'Gamekeepers friend'?, He refuses to outlaw possesion of 'bird poison' Options

[Andy Capp]

A story in the paper this week has claimed our MP refused to outlaw a poison that has no use except to illegally poison birds of prey. The poison, the possession of which is illegal in Scotland, has been used to illegally kill 633 birds of prey in the last 9 years.

Mr Benyon claimed poisoning was already an offence and that outlawing the chemical "may not be a proportionate course of action". It is said that this chemical has no other use, so I wonder why its banning would be inappropriate.

Recently he has courted controversy by endorsing research into the effect of buzzard predation on young pheasants. This would have involved blasting nests with shotguns (stopped by No.10 after Cameron's own interest in shooting were highlighted in a national news paper), and Natural England (he is the minister directly in-charge) have suddenly and 'mysteriously' dropped a case against a Yorkshire shooting estate for allegedly damaging protected habitat.

[Penelope]

A story in the paper this week has claimed our MP refused to outlaw a poison that has no use except to illegally poison birds of prey. The poison, the possession of which is illegal in Scotland, has been used to illegally kill 633 birds of prey in the last 9 years.

Mr Benyon claimed poisoning was already an offence and that outlawing the chemical "may not be a proportionate course of action". It is said that this chemical has no other use, so I wonder why its banning would be inappropriate.

Recently he has courted controversy by endorsing research into the effect of buzzard predation on young pheasants. This would have involved blasting nests with shotguns (stopped by No.10 after Cameron's own interest in shooting were highlighted in a national news paper), and Natural England (he is the minister directly in-charge) have suddenly and 'mysteriously' dropped a case against a Yorkshire shooting estate for allegedly damaging protected habitat.

If this is true (and I have no reason to doubt you) then he should be bought to book by the electorate as soon as is practically possible. It is appalling that anyone should propose the direct or indirect destruction of any bird of prey whether in this country or indeed any other and be allowed to go unpunished. I for one will withhold my vote at the next election and indeed would encourage any reader who purports to be wildlife supporter to do likewise.

[NWNREADER]

I'm not sure the story is clearly described or interpreted. To me, I understand he is saying he will not ban a named poison, as all poisons are banned. That makes sense as to specifically ban one substance would muddy the waters on the overall ban.

As for buzzards, as with red kites their successful re-introduction is causing effects some people (and not just landowners with shooting interests) regret.....

Nature has a way of messing up a political master plan!

[Andy Capp]

I'm not sure the story is clearly described or interpreted. To me, I understand he is saying he will not ban a named poison, as all poisons are banned.

Carbofuran is a pesticide, not strictly a poison and it is not illegal to store, but it is illegal to use it. Carbofuran was used in 50% of birds of prey poisonings in the last 9 years. The States have effectively banned it.

That makes sense as to specifically ban one substance would muddy the waters on the overall ban.

Scotland can manage it.

As for buzzards, as with red kites their successful re-introduction is causing effects some people (and not just landowners with shooting interests) regret.....

Like what? Many believe their effect is exaggerated, particularly Red Kites.

The point is, Mr Benyon is not explaining himself properly and is therefore making his decision (this and others he has made) look partisan.


Here's the link: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/n...on-8215803.html

[On the edge]

Carbofuran is a pesticide, not strictly a poison and it is not illegal to store, but it is illegal to use it.

Famous saying about the law being an *** sometimes. This is an exact example. Odd isn't it that certain country folk keep large quantities. Love to know what other use there is; specialist cleaning agent for Range Rover wheel hubs? nice change from horse radish in beef sandwiches?

[NWNREADER]

If something is a 'pesticide' why does it only work against birds of prey?

I sometimes question a proposition because I do not understand it, not necessarily because I disagree with it.

[On the edge]

If something is a 'pesticide' why does it only work against birds of prey?

I sometimes question a proposition because I do not understand it, not necessarily because I disagree with it.

Certainly appreciate that. This is quite a challenge really. As far as I can make out, the stuff is pretty lethal and is primarily an insecticide, where its main use is on soya because it controls some infestations that are specific to that crop. However, in most countries its only licensed to very specific crops. Main problem is that it has a secondary and deadly effect on insect eating birds - so much so that it can be used as a very effective way of eliminating predatory birds.

[spartacus]

Nature has a way of messing up a political master plan!

And when 'well-meaning' humans with a political agenda get involved it really b*ggers things up... In many areas of UK the mink population is driving indigenous species to the edge and all because the tree huggers thought it would be a good idea to organise a mass release of the poor creatures... let's hope they don't feel the same way of that vial of flesh eating virus spores being cultivated in a petri dish at Porton Down,,, (we've all seen the film and know the outcome)


and I blame the grey squirrel.... about time that furry tailed rat was culled to extinction and the red squirrel given a chance again...

[Penelope]

And when 'well-meaning' humans with a political agenda get involved it really b*ggers things up... In many areas of UK the mink population is driving indigenous species to the edge and all because the tree huggers thought it would be a good idea to organise a mass release of the poor creatures... let's hope they don't feel the same way of that vial of flesh eating virus spores being cultivated in a petri dish at Porton Down,,, (we've all seen the film and know the outcome)


and I blame the grey squirrel.... about time that furry tailed rat was culled to extinction and the red squirrel given a chance again...

You just leave Mr Nutkins outa this!

[blackdog]

... and I blame the grey squirrel.... about time that furry tailed rat was culled to extinction and the red squirrel given a chance again...

I have to agree with this - red squirrels are so much nicer.

[Andy Capp]

If something is a 'pesticide' why does it only work against birds of prey? I sometimes question a proposition because I do not understand it, not necessarily because I disagree with it.

The point I make again, isn't necessarily the lack of ban and the danger of the substance, more the reasons Mr Benyon didn't ban it. Just as he hasn't with other issues, he hasn't explained his reason.

[Cognosco]

The point I make again, isn't necessarily the lack of ban and the danger of the substance, more the reasons Mr Benyon didn't ban it. Just as he hasn't with other issues, he hasn't explained his reason.

As Exhausted explained on another thread it is no good Benyon explaining to us Plebs as we just don't understand politics!