Wednesday, October 27, 2004
POLITICAL BOOST
Fitzwilliam Hunt has received a political boost in its quest to continue to pursue foxes across the countryside near Peterborough.
Last night, peers in the House of Lords voted by 322 to 72 to restore the "third way" compromise – which would allow hunting with hounds under local licence. They and pro-hunting MPs believe there must be a compromise which will keep hunting with dogs in some form, and save the government from the kind of militant tactics that saw pro-hunters invade the floor of the House of Commons this September.George Bowyer, master of hounds of the historic Fitzwilliam Hunt – which has been in existence for more than 300 years – spoke to The Evening Telegraph this morning while out hunting. He said: "We welcome the Lords' decision, and have always supported licensing."Anti-hunting MPs need to look away from their prejudices."Tony Blair is always talking about a tolerant society. Real tolerance is being tolerant of some things you don't agree with."The Government promised us fair legislation, and the evidence is on our side."In September, more than 100 members of the Fitzwilliam Hunt joined about 20,000 protesters in Parliament Square. The demonstrations turned violent and hundreds clashed with baton-wielding police officers. Some protesters stormed the Commons in a stunning breach of security.One of the members of the hunt, Jane Thorpe-Codman, from Nassington, near Peterborough, was seen on television with blood streaming down her face, after claiming a police officer "saw red mist" and pushed her to the ground.The decision of the Lords now raises the prospect of the Parliament Act being used for a total ban. The act allows a bill to be pushed through against Lords' opposition, but is rarely used. MP for Peterborough Helen Clark today said MPs were fed up after waiting seven years for a ban, and believes the use of the Parliament Act is now inevitable. She said today: "I am still totally opposed to hunting, and in favour of an outright ban. "I have received thousands of letters, and 99 per cent want a ban. The pro-hunting arguments don't cut any ice with me."Quite frankly, any small sympathies I may have had with the hunters went out of the window after the way those people behaved in invading the House of Commons."I hope the Government will keep its promise and go through with an outright ban on this vile pursuit."The legislation will now return to the Commons next month, when MPs are expected to vote once again to stop all hunting with dogs. If so, this will pave the way for the Parliament Act to be used, and a ban becoming law.
27 October 2004
Last night, peers in the House of Lords voted by 322 to 72 to restore the "third way" compromise – which would allow hunting with hounds under local licence. They and pro-hunting MPs believe there must be a compromise which will keep hunting with dogs in some form, and save the government from the kind of militant tactics that saw pro-hunters invade the floor of the House of Commons this September.George Bowyer, master of hounds of the historic Fitzwilliam Hunt – which has been in existence for more than 300 years – spoke to The Evening Telegraph this morning while out hunting. He said: "We welcome the Lords' decision, and have always supported licensing."Anti-hunting MPs need to look away from their prejudices."Tony Blair is always talking about a tolerant society. Real tolerance is being tolerant of some things you don't agree with."The Government promised us fair legislation, and the evidence is on our side."In September, more than 100 members of the Fitzwilliam Hunt joined about 20,000 protesters in Parliament Square. The demonstrations turned violent and hundreds clashed with baton-wielding police officers. Some protesters stormed the Commons in a stunning breach of security.One of the members of the hunt, Jane Thorpe-Codman, from Nassington, near Peterborough, was seen on television with blood streaming down her face, after claiming a police officer "saw red mist" and pushed her to the ground.The decision of the Lords now raises the prospect of the Parliament Act being used for a total ban. The act allows a bill to be pushed through against Lords' opposition, but is rarely used. MP for Peterborough Helen Clark today said MPs were fed up after waiting seven years for a ban, and believes the use of the Parliament Act is now inevitable. She said today: "I am still totally opposed to hunting, and in favour of an outright ban. "I have received thousands of letters, and 99 per cent want a ban. The pro-hunting arguments don't cut any ice with me."Quite frankly, any small sympathies I may have had with the hunters went out of the window after the way those people behaved in invading the House of Commons."I hope the Government will keep its promise and go through with an outright ban on this vile pursuit."The legislation will now return to the Commons next month, when MPs are expected to vote once again to stop all hunting with dogs. If so, this will pave the way for the Parliament Act to be used, and a ban becoming law.
27 October 2004
