their desire for the truth…
100,000-plus show
their desire for the truth…
DELIGHT, anger and determination is how the five editors promoting calls for a full public inquiry into F&M reacted to the news that campaign signatures have now passed 100,000.
Delight that the campaign has been so successful, anger that the government is appearing to ignore the countrys requests for a full investigation into the origins and handling of F&M, and determination to persuade the government to reconsider its decision to deny the nation a public inquiry.
"If five publications can achieve this result, think what the figure would be if the whole nation had an opportunity to vote," said Arnold Garvey, editor, Horse&Hound. "We have obviously touched a nerve with the public, who want to see justice done."
The Journal in Newcastle seems to have touched a raw nerve with both its readers and rural affairs minister Alun Michael. "Our success reveals the depth of feeling across the north and the rest of the country," said editor Ged Henderson. "During a recent visit Mr Michael accused The Journal and its readers of being obsessed by the need for a public inquiry. We take that as a compliment."
Alastair Milburn, deputy editor, The Western Mail, described the result as "fantastic". It was, he said: "a true reflection on the governments handling of the crisis. By hook or by crook, we are determined to win an inquiry so that F&M doesnt happen again."
Barrie Williams, editor, Western Morning News, said support for the campaign revealed the publics deep concern about the handling of the crisis. "F&M has devastated many areas in the south-west and nothing less than a full public inquiry will satisfy our readers."
How the readers voted
FARMERS WEEKLY 20,791
Horse&Hound 9,544
Western Morning News, Plymouth 37,317
Western Mail, Cardiff 11,000
The Journal, Newcastle 22,638
TOTAL 101,290
How the readers voted
FARMERS WEEKLY 20,791
Horse&Hound 9,901
Western Morning News, 37,317
Plymouth
The Western Mail, Cardiff 11,000
The Journal, Newcastle 22,638
TOTAL 101,647
As signatures
supporting our request
for a full public inquiry
into foot-and-mouth top
more than 101,000,
Stephen Howe and
Mike Stones canvass
reaction to the most
successful campaign
ever run by
farmers weekly
Reactions to our success
"Its a fantastic response. There are too many unanswered questions about the origins of foot-and-mouth. The governments inquiries may provide valuable information but if the government has nothing to hide, then it has nothing to fear from a public inquiry."
Peter Ainsworth, shadow DEFRA secretary
"Last weeks Devon Inquiry demonstrates how the F&M crisis can be investigated publicly with dignity and integrity. We maintain the three government inquiries must be held in public and must publish their findings so that everyone can have confidence in the process and the outcome."
Anthony Bosanquet, CLA president
"There is an absolute need for a public inquiry. It would also be an opportunity for those who have suffered dreadfully to tell their story. One hundred thousand signatures are impressive and show the significant concern."
Mike Childs, Friends of the Earth senior campaigner
"We remain convinced that a public inquiry is necessary and justified. Although we do not diminish the inquiries in place, they fall a long way short of what the public expects. The numbers signing petitions show that people want the issues to be thrashed out in public and only a public inquiry can provide those answers."
Malcolm Bruce, Lib-Dem shadow DEFRA secretary
"One hundred thousand people concerned enough to demand the government listens to their need for transparency and openness should be taken as a serious indication that a full public inquiry is all the British people will accept in trying to find out what went wrong."
Richard Burge, Countryside Alliance chief executive
"The level of support for your campaign illustrates the extent of public concern at what they perceive to be total mismanagement of science. It will be difficult for the government not to agree to a public inquiry."
Nigel Embry, Farmstay UK chief executive
"Its an impressive result. The NBA was the first organisation to call for a public inquiry in March. What worries us is how the conduct of the F&M campaign was influenced by pre-election thoughts in Downing Street. The only way an answer to that question is to hold a public inquiry."
Robert Forster, National Beef Association chief executive
"Farming deserves a full and rapid inquiry into the F&M outbreak after the devastation that has been caused to establish better ways to tackle such a problem should it every happen again. We are pleased that this petition reflects that view."
Ben Gill, NFU president
"A hundred thousand signatures will send a strong message to government that not only radical groups support a public inquiry but ordinary working folks. But unless we have a massive peaceful demonstration in London, with similar numbers to the Countryside March, Tony Blair will shut his ears."
David Handley, Farmers for Action chairman
"We support the need for a thorough investigation into F&M – both its origins and handling. Lessons must be learnt. Although we would supply information to a public inquiry, we do not want to see another investigation along the lines of the Phillips inquiry into BSE. That cost £ms, took years to prepare and gave no real answers."
John Kinnaird, NFU Scotland vice president
"The Farmers Union of Wales gives unqualified support to farmers weeklys campaign to force government to hold a public inquiry. The inquiries announced so far do not go nearly far enough to get at the truth. It is a great shame that the government appears to be running scared of a public inquiry."
Bob Parry, Farmers Union of Wales president
"On a UK scale, it is very important that everything comes out in the open and if that means a public inquiry, then we are comfortable with that. One hundred thousand signatures is a powerful mandate for a public inquiry. It demonstrates the publics desire to find out the truth about F&M."
Douglas Rowe, Ulster Farmers Union president
"A public inquiry, in the proper sense, is the only way we can get at all the information. But it must be quick, delivered within three months and in précis form. It should not be a whole history which delivers a lorry load of paper work and a massive bill."
John Thorley, National Sheep Association chief executive *