The decision by the High Court to refuse BASC interested party status in the judicial review on the Welsh general licences ‘will not stop us working’ to protect the future of wildlife management that benefits conservation, food protection and health and safety.
The news comes as the High Court has granted permission for Wild Justice to proceed with the judicial review, following an application last year. The hearing will be held later this year.
Caroline Bedell, BASC’s executive director of conservation, said: “Although a backwards step, the decision to refuse our application as an interested party will not stop us working closely with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Defra to ensure a future proof and workable set of licences.
“We are extremely surprised that the judge has refused to hear the voice of those on the ground who require the use of general licences, especially when we were granted interested party status in other judicial reviews. We will be taking the necessary time to review the decision and challenge it if possible.
“The judge’s decision to grant the judicial review provides no pre-requisite that Wild Justice will be successful in their case. We will continue to monitor the case exceedingly closely and continue to work towards a satisfactory outcome.”
