Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley, attended The Game Fair at Ragley Hall this weekend - the UK’s premier celebration of the countryside, field sports, and rural traditions.
Now in its 66th year, The Game Fair is the annual gathering for those passionate about countryside pursuits and the Great British Countryside. It offers a vibrant showcase of rural life, conservation, sustainable land management, and the beauty of Britain’s natural landscape.
Speaking after the event, Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
“It was a real pleasure to attend The Game Fair and see first-hand the pride so many take in our rural traditions. From gamekeeping and conservation to farming and field sports, rural life is an essential part of our national story. Events like this remind us of the importance of protecting our countryside - not just as a symbol of our heritage, but as a vital, working part of our future.”
Dr Shastri-Hurst also met with representatives from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), one of the leading voices supporting rural communities and sustainable land management. With approximately 1,000 BASC members in Solihull West & Shirley alone, the countryside continues to play a significant role in the lives of local people.
“I was proud to stand alongside BASC in backing our rural communities,” Dr Shastri-Hurst added. “I also enjoyed bumping into a few familiar faces from Solihull West & Shirley who were enjoying the day - it’s clear that the values of conservation, stewardship, and love for the land resonate strongly across our constituency.”
Dr Shastri-Hurst reaffirmed his commitment to standing up for the countryside in Parliament, supporting rural enterprise, British farming, and responsible land use.
“Rural Britain is not just a part of our past - it’s a vital part of our economic, environmental, and cultural future. We must ensure that it continues to thrive.”
