Environment secretary Steve Reed urged to bring in ‘full and swift ban’ to protect health of people, wildlife and pets

Wildlife charities have called on the government to ban the sale and use of lead in ammunition used for outdoor shooting.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), RSPB, Wildlife and Countryside Link, Chem Trust and Wild Justice have sent an open letter to the environment secretary, Steve Reed, asking for a 18-month transition period for a ban on lead in ammunition sales.

Birds often ingest discarded lead pellets after mistaking them for seeds and grit, the charities say, causing lead to contaminate food chains and find its way on to dinner tables.