News Archive 
Jan-18 March 2002

Press release: Hunt supporters stage 'indicative protest'  -  Pictures here.
Press release: Suggested ‘compromises’ on hunting are totally unacceptable 

The C.A. says that a "large presence may be counter-productive" - but doesn't explain why!  We believe a large well-behaved presence in London can only be productive!  You will have to decide for yourself who is right.

The C.A. says: "Parliament is not stupid, nor is the Government. It knows full well the strength of our resolve, the passion with which we pursue our case and the fact that we are prepared to do as some say “whatever it takes” to be treated fairly. A lack of people on the streets on Monday WILL CERTAINLY NOT be taken by politicians to suggest in anyway that our resolve has weakened, or that we have lost the will to fight; quite the opposite.," How does the C.A. know this with such certainty?

We say: Parliament is just a large group of people - and a sizeable proportion of that group IS stupid where hunting is concerned.  It knew the strength of our resolve on 1 March, 1998! (which is why hunting has been 'kicked into the long grass' over the past four years.)  It needs a reminder!  The Government is not stupid (although it has been known to do stupid things!)  It needs to be reminded that banning hunting would be very stupid indeed!  Standing up for our beliefs is our right!  Why on earth should it alienate anyone?

Please - if you want to stand up for your beliefs - be in London on Monday.  But if you can't, or if you agree with the C.A.'s views - at least make sure you write to your MP so he (or she) - at least - knows your views about hunting.

At least one member of the C.A.'s regional staff has been telling hunt supporters that the 'informal protest' outside Parliament on the 18th has been cancelled.  This is NOT true.  

A VERY good editorial in today's Telegraph, part of which said;

"It is a great mistake for the Countryside Alliance to think that private (or even public) assurances given by this Government are worth the paper they aren't written on. The final fate of hunting will be decided by exterior political conditions at the time. The defenders of the right to pursue the sport must therefore keep very simple aims in view, and not be sucked into behind-the-scenes deals.

They must make their case in public, peacefully but loudly, all the time; and it is a very important part of that case that hunting does not need statutory regulation. It will be possible to mobilise hundreds of thousands of marchers to defend our liberties, and this must happen. It will not be possible to get people to march for a Middle Way option. This is not to say that no middle way can be contemplated. It is rather to emphasise that this Government will allow hunting to continue only because it feels it has to.

It will not feel it has to if protest is small, or muted, or if the lobby's leaders indicate that they will come quietly. The first step, therefore, should be a vigorous lobby of Parliament on and before March 18. Write, email, turn up in Parliament Square on the day. Be good-natured, but don't be silent."  

HOUSE OF COMMONS VOTE ON HUNTING BAN

MONDAY 18th MARCH 2002

Those of us who believe in trying to do something for the future of hunting will make our way spontaneously to the front of the Houses of Parliament, to arrive at around 1.00pm and stay until around 4.00pm on the above date. Dress to be casual, some may have orange boiler suits. Placards welcome, but PLEASE NO ANIMALS and use of hunting horns may NOT be productive.

We are certain that now is the time when we can have most influence on the Government. Alun Michael, the minister responsible for any legislation, has said that the Government will “consider in the light of the votes and the views expressed during the debates in both Houses, how to enable Parliament to reach a conclusion on this issue”. We must express our views and determination at the same time. We firmly believe that once actual legislation is brought forward, it will be too late to persuade the Government to change its mind. We must show our determination now, whilst matters are still under consideration. Time is short. The Government decision on the way forward is expected to be announced before the end of March.

Whilst a Commons vote for an outright ban at this stage must be taken as a foregone conclusion, it is very much hoped that the Lords will vote against such a ban the following day. We must make sure that our absolute determination not to accept any unjust legislation is made clear to the Government without upsetting our supporters in the Lords by any untoward behaviour on the day.

We are nailing our colours to the mast! If we all leave it to someone else to be there, the Government will know that there are not enough of us who care enough to keep the liberty and way of life we love.

Please note:  We are aware of some attempts to mislead people re 18 March - with suggestions that "the demonstration has been cancelled."

C.A.N. is - of course - not 'organising' a demonstration.  We are recommending that people who care about hunting come to London to see their MPs.  That recommendation stands!

If you CARE about the future
e-mail: info@countrysideaction.net