Many new Conservative MPs say they'll vote with Labour to prevent repeal of 2004 Hunting Act
The election of a new generation of Conservative MPs opposed to bloodsports is likely to block attempts to repeal the ban on foxhunting with hounds, according to members of the latest Commons intake. ...
The ban on hunting foxes with hounds was one of the most contentious pieces of legislation introduced by the Labour government. It took up 600 hours of parliamentary time. In 2002, the Countryside Alliance organised a mass demonstration in support of hunting that brought 400,000 protesters onto the streets – the capital's largest until the anti-Iraq war protest. ...
Mike Weatherley, the MP for Hove and Portslade, is one of around 20 new Conservative MPs who are in favour of retaining the 2004 Hunting Act, which outlaws hunting with dogs. "The likelihood is that the ban will stay," he told the Guardian. "I think there's enough of us to ensure that the ban will remain. A lot of people who decided not to vote Conservative will be surprised to find that it's Conservatives who will stop it [being repealed].
A neighbouring new Tory MP, Simon Kirby, who represents Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, issued a statement earlier this month declaring: "It remains my absolute commitment that I will not vote to repeal the ban on hunting".
Speaks for itself as regards a shift in Tory thinking - at least in Parliament. Read the full article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/oct/28/countryside-alliance-conservatives-foxhunting
"Many new Conservative MPs say they'll vote with Labour to prevent repeal of 2004 Hunting Act."
ReplyDeleteThat's very good news, but be on guard, for those who want the return of the so-called 'sports' of fox hunting, hare coursing, stag hunting, etc., are a cunning, determined and resourceful lot and they have powerful allies in the ConDem government. The 2004 Act was a major advance for civilisation. I write this as a farmer and as a countryman, born and bred.