Further to the news that Scottish grouse moor owner Robbie Douglas-Miller has been appointed to DEFRA’s ministerial team (see here), it has now been confirmed that his role is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, and his responsibilities include biosecurity and borders, Northern Ireland and animal welfare:
It’s an interesting appointment, as journalists Helena Horton & Rowena Mason from the Guardian have unearthed some more of his background which includes backing the culling of seals and predatory birds which he believes threaten salmon stocks.
You can read the Guardian article here.
Raptor Persecution UK 
Ah well yes he is eminently qualified to do this “job” and no doubt being very well remunerated for it. His previous views demonstrate that he is apparently ecologically challenged, perhaps even ecologically illiterate. The welfare of animals and biosecurity couldn’t be in “better” hands. That’s even before we consider the various implications of his none election, perhaps the Tories really do have a sense of humour and are just taking the piss, if so it’s a sad and bad way to do it.
I’m just hanging on for the day when they’re all obliterated, electorally, that is. The stench is reminiscent of the lead-up to the 1997 general election
They could not have picked anyone more UNSUITABLE if they tried.
DEFRA is completely useless, filled with the most backward thinking people.
The country is in a biosecurity crisis and the person now appointed to be in charge of biosecurity does not like merganser or goosander so much they obtain a licence to kill them, likewise with seals, tries to obtain a licence to kill them, what the hell is their attitude to birds of prey going to be ?. Clearly you do not need the correct qualifications to do that job, just have the right connections and look after your pals.
Another millionaire Tory only interested in himself and his millionaire friends, they are a danger to the future of the planet
I reckon that this appointment is deliberately provocative, no doubt prompted by the outcome of last week’s Scottish debate on raptor persecution and muirburn. Somebody, somewhere, clearly has some leverage.
Insane lack of values.
[Ed: comment deleted as libellous]
Scotland’s toys thrown out of the pram we’ll show you!!