Alliance only wants pro-hunt marchers
30 January 2001
Alliance only wants pro-hunt marchers
By FWi staff
THE Countryside Alliance has made it clear it only wants people who support hunting with dogs to join its London march on 18 March.
Some demonstrators on the 1998 Countryside Alliance march were there to highlight other rural issues, without necessarily supporting the right to hunt.
But now organisers say those considering joining the “Liberty and Livelihood March” must support the entire Alliance agenda – with hunting at its centre.
It aims to defend choice, protect country people – particularly those who hunt – from prejudice, and address problems facing rural communities.
Director of communications Nigel Henson told the BBC Radio 4 Farming Today programme: “You cant pick and mix from our own reasons for holding the march.
“You either subscribe to the whole lot, or if you then came along, youd be coming for rather illogical reasons.”
He insisted that people would not be turned away from a march which is seeking to promote liberty and livelihood, as this would be “ludicrous”.
Earlier this month, Environment Minister Michael Meacher said he would not take part in the march if its sole purpose was to defend foxhunting.
Mr Meacher, who joined the 1998 march, voted to ban hunting in the Commons.
- The Countryside March – Sunday 18 March, 2001
- Rural rides to the Countryside March – click here
- NFU backs Countryside March, FWi, 11 January, 2001
- Alliance plans huge London rally, FWi, 19 October, 2000