Downing Street is facing scrutiny and calls for transparency over the recent appointment of Robbie Douglas-Miller as the new animal welfare minister in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The wealthy shooting enthusiast, who was granted a peerage last week, owns a grouse moor in Scotland and has previously endorsed culling measures against seals and wild birds. This unexpected appointment has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the government’s commitment to animal welfare.
Douglas-Miller’s history of supporting the culling of seals and wild birds has stirred controversy, especially considering his role as an advocate for animal welfare. The shooting enthusiast has advocated for relaxing rules on shooting wild birds preying on salmon and has been associated with a fishery that applied for a seal-killing license in 2021. Additionally, he obtained a license to kill wild cormorants and sawbill ducks last year.
In 2016, Douglas-Miller expressed concerns about the impact of seals and birds on salmon stock. However, experts, including Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, argue that overfishing, salmon farming, and poor water quality are more significant contributors to salmon decline. Critics emphasize the need to focus on addressing these issues rather than resorting to culling seals, which are integral to the marine ecosystem.
Douglas-Miller’s unexpected appointment as an environment minister with a portfolio responsibility for animal welfare has sparked questions about the government’s decision-making process. Critics point to his connections with the shooting and grouse moor industries, questioning the potential conflicts of interest in his role.
The timing and circumstances surrounding Douglas-Miller’s appointment have raised eyebrows, particularly as the government faces challenges and an imminent general election. The lack of clarity regarding the minister’s specific responsibilities within Defra and potential conflicts of interest has prompted further scrutiny.
The appointment of unelected, grousemoor-owning Lords to positions at Defra seems to be a recurring trend, with Lord Benyon being another figure with extensive land holdings in the sector. This pattern has raised concerns about the influence of wealthy landowners in key environmental and animal welfare roles.
Political figures, including Caroline Lucas of the Green Party and Daisy Cooper of the Liberal Democrats, have expressed skepticism and raised questions about the suitability of Douglas-Miller for the role. Concerns range from potential conflicts of interest to the government’s commitment to animal welfare and environmental conservation.
In response to the mounting criticism, a Defra spokesperson stated that the minister is fully committed to the government’s reforms on animal welfare, conservation, and nature recovery. However, the controversy surrounding Douglas-Miller’s appointment continues to fuel calls for transparency and accountability in the UK’s approach to animal welfare at the highest levels of government.
