Bird charity breaks ties with Chris Packham because outspoken broadcaster was ‘becoming too political’ and saying people should consider breaking the law
- Rehabilitation charity Raptor Rescue has cut ties with the BBC presenter
- Charity says Mr Packham’s actions ‘have begun to split members’
- Mr Packham has been involved in charity work for 29 years, since 1994.
TV presenter Chris Packham has lost his role at the Birds of Prey rehabilitation charity for becoming too “political”, dividing the views of its members.
Mr Packham, who has been involved in charity work for decades, was removed as a patron more than a year ago but his profile remained on the site until recently.
The charity said it had not heard from Mr Packham for “a long time”.
It also says his views are “beginning to split members” when members are bird lovers and don’t necessarily like the wildlife leader’s “political side.”
Pictured: Chris Packham shows his support for Extinction Rebellion protesters.
The BBC Springwatch star has been vocal about his support for environmental groups Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion.
In a recent Channel 4 documentary, he urged the public to consider breaking the law to protect the climate and said a “tornado of change” was needed to stop global warming.
Raptor Rescue Chairman Malcolm Robbins spoke about this. Telegraph: “He even started talking about breaking the law now. Regardless of our personal feelings, we as a charity cannot support this.”
Pictured: Patron Chris Packham’s profile on the now-closed Raptor Rescue website.
Mr Packham remains vice-president of the RSPB, the Wildlife and Butterfly Conservation Trust.
Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner told The Telegraph that charities could find themselves in a difficult relationship with the BBC presenter, who he said was “increasingly divisive” and “alienating” members of the public.
Mr Packham recently criticized Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for delays in phasing out petrol cars.
He has lodged a legal challenge to the Prime Minister over his decision to delay the retirement of new gas boilers and petrol and diesel cars.
The TV presenter said he would go to the High Court to challenge it unless Rishi Sunak reverses the changes he announced, arguing the delay was unlawful.
Mr Packham also recently sent an open letter to I’m A Celebrity presenters Ant and Dec, criticizing the way the ITV soap exploits animals.