Tony Juniper has recently been appointed as Chair of Natural England. Juniper has proven links to Wild Justice, the activist "conservation" group that challenged the legality of Natural England's General Licenses for pest control, licenses which were suspended on the day Juniper took office. The suspension of these licenses, particularly at this time of year when birds, mammals and reptiles are breeding, is a complete disaster for wildlife conservation and far from appropriate not only from a conservation viewpoint but also because the suspension was undertaken unilaterally and without any consultation with key stakeholders - the true conservationists, not activists.

Juniper denies involvement in the decision to suspend the licenses but regardless, it happened "on his watch". Far more important, however, is that he has proven, long standing and close links with Avery and Packham, both of Wild Justice and both self-styled anti-shooting activists. When standing for election under The Green Party, Juniper himself declared that he would "maintain the ban on hunting with dogs and extend to other blood sports".

Juniper is therefore far from impartial, has a declared anti-shooting agenda, apparently cares little for genuine conservation efforts and is consequently totally unfit for purpose as Chair for Natural England. He must be removed with immediate effect.