Chris Packham sacked from role as charity patron for being too ‘political’

In a surprising turn of events, Chris Packham, renowned BBC star and wildlife advocate, has been ousted from his role as a patron of the bird charity Raptor Rescue.

The decision, as reported by The Telegraph, was motivated by Packham’s perceived shift toward political activism, causing a rift within the charity’s membership.

The move has sparked debates over the intersection of activism and charity work, raising questions about the responsibilities of public figures associated with philanthropic organizations.

The Decision to Remove Chris Packham:

Raptor Rescue chairman, Malcolm Robbins, revealed that Packham’s removal as a patron occurred over a year ago. Robbins cited Packham’s lack of involvement with the charity as a primary reason for the decision. Despite being listed as a patron, Packham had reportedly not contributed to the charity’s efforts, and attempts to contact him had proven unsuccessful.

The Political Turn:

The chairman further explained that Packham’s increasingly political views were another factor in the decision. Packham has been a vocal critic of countryside pursuits such as shooting and hunting and has taken a stance against the government’s environmental policies. His advocacy has extended to supporting controversial eco-protest groups, including Just Stop Oil, Animal Rising, and Extinction Rebellion.

Ethical Dilemmas and Law-breaking:

In recent months, Packham has raised eyebrows by suggesting that breaking the law to campaign against climate change is “the ethically responsible thing to do.” This controversial stance has drawn attention and, according to Raptor Rescue, contributed to the decision to sever ties with the prominent presenter.

Impact on Membership:

Robbins emphasized that Packham’s political views were polarizing among the charity’s membership. The divide was evident between those who simply love birds and supporters from the countryside, including working falconers. Some members were uncomfortable with the increasing political nature of Packham’s activities, prompting the charity to take action.

Charities Facing Challenges:

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, expressed concerns that Packham’s divisive nature could pose challenges for charities associated with him. As public figures engage in activism to remain in the spotlight, the potential negative impact on charities could outweigh the positives, creating a delicate balance for philanthropic organizations.

BBC’s Standpoint:

Despite Packham’s involvement in controversial activities, the BBC has clarified that he remains a freelancer, not subject to the corporation’s new social media guidelines, which apply only to presenters of flagship shows. This emphasizes Packham’s autonomy and freedom to express personal opinions without direct constraints from the BBC.