Meet the marchers, Blair urged
25 January 2001
Meet the marchers, Blair urged
By FWi staff
TONY BLAIR has been urged to stay in London on the day of the countryside march on 18 March to hear first-hand the struggles faced by farmers.
Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday (25 January), Nigel Evans (Con, Ribble Valley) said the Prime Minister had turned down a request to visit his constituency.
“I hope he will remain in London on 18 March so that he can hear from the people of Ribble Valley how bad it is,” said Mr Evans.
Mr Blair refused to be drawn on his plans for 18 March, but admitted the countryside needed a stable economy and investment in services.
Edward Leigh (Con, Gainsborough) said sugar factories were closing and farmers faced the worst crisis since the 1930s.
He hoped “the greatest march ever will descend on the capital”.
The march, which hopes to attract several hundred thousand protesters, is being organised by the Countryside Alliance.
- Farm workers boycott London march, FWi, 24 January, 2001
- Foreigners to join Countryside March, FWi 24 January, 2001
- Farmers slam beet-factory closures, FWi, 23 January, 2001
- The Countryside March – Sunday 18 March, 2001
- Rural rides to the Countryside March – click here