Cameron fails to understand decency

As a voting, and actively involved conservative for much of my life, it has been most recent, that I have had to revaluate my thoughts seriously. It is hard to imagine, why, when the country has many pending concerns, as to how, repealing the hunting ban is deemed of such great importance.

I recently took the time, to see a television documentary on Dogs, and how, they have been shown, as not only mans best friend, but as perceptive, and clever companions, …it was stated that, there are more dog owners now, then ever, even with the sorry disbandment that we see happening, as a result apparently, of the current financial situation.

I draw my thoughts, as to why then, if we love our canine friends so dearly, why would we even entertain hunting of the foxes for example, one of the canines family indeed…I had the privilege of having a strong bond with one particular fox, who I add, had the similar characteristics of that of my pet!, and even a less keen neighbor was won over, by his playful, attentive but cautious nature.

The Fox is just one of the beautiful animals, that we have allowed to be hunted, with myths, and old fashioned suggestion, much of which sadly, has become a “class” opiniated sport if you please?
The hunting ban has shown itself to be, that of compassion, fairness and decency, if we can destroy this, in our society, one has to ask, what is next?  It is good to know, that 59% of the conservative party supporters do not want to repeal such a ban, however they go un heard by their leader David Cameron, and his shadow, cabinet…,clearly a man who listens to the people?..Or perhaps not//.

How can we trust David Cameron? When hunting is shown to be the height of animal cruelty on all levels. Yet when there are many issues that need addressing his determination is to focus on repeal at all costs. For these reasons, I can no longer give my vote of confidence to David Cameron to lead the Conservative Party in a way that is compassionate and caring.
I believe, that Labour has shown a greater level of compassion and commitment to animal welfare. By creating and supporting the hunting ban which will no doubt, not just be reflective in the Hunting Ban, but what a good place to start… I have found myself asking do we have a Conservative Party anymore or is it now just the Countryside Alliance Party? Why oh why, would this encourage us to have faith in a man who clearly sees nothing wrong with mindless cruelty again I say, where will it stop?

An alternative to Hare Coursing, no more exscuses

Hare coursing was banned when the hunting ban came in, it was always a sickening spectacle by people outside of compassion, devoid of any sense of wrong doing. The end result was always for the poor Hare to be used like a rag doll after the dogs had caught it. 

The tearing of animals apart for fun seems to form the basis of blood-sport. The more the animal cruelty the more those who follow such uncivilised behavior get a glee in their eye. Like fox-hunting, Deer and Mink hunting Hare Coursing never served any purpose. 

The enjoyment of a tiny few was its motivation. Only the excuses changed instead of talk of control it was one of enjoying watching the dogs work? Cruelty is cruelty and no excuse can ever justify that. It is right that Hare Coursing was banned and it is right that those who seek to break the ban are treated like criminals. 

Below is two examples, the first is Lure Coursing 

 

This first video is an example of how humane alternatives can be found and used. No killing is ever needed.  It is called Lure Coursing this example is form Australia. The dogs from all breeds big and small follow a rag around a field.  

The dogs have a wonderful time as do the owners. So the challenge to people who seek Hare Coursing in the UK and Ireland is given you have a humane alternative why are you not creating it? 

The 2nd video shows the reality of what Mr Cameron would bring back if he repealed the hunting ban. Any decent person watching this video should be concerned about David Cameron. Unlike you and me he is not horrified at this video or of the cruelty inflicted on our wildlife with fox, deer and mink hunting. 

In terms of decency and being a fit person to be considered to be a Prime minister he is showing how unfit for the role he really is. There is a nasty vile side that is hidden by the PR spin around Cameron. That would if allowed bring shame on Britain for his love of killing animals for fun. 

Hare coursing the barbaric way 

 

Pitiful isn’t it, where is the justice to the images you have just seen. Mindless cruel people intent on killing. Not rational human beings but nasty small-minded people who love to see blood being spilled for their entrainment. 

The sheer baying of the crowd for the kill puts the reality into their lies that its not about watching dogs work. 

It is vile, wrong and disgusting. Those in the fox-hunting  world share the links to such cruelty. The Waterloo Cup a money spinner and was as much a beacon for the Countryside Alliance as it ever was for the fox-hunting lobby to support. 

The hunting lobby has pretended that it was not something they supported in an attempt to deflect when the ban loomed. Yet they are stained with the same cruelty. 

The decent people of Britain and Ireland are fed up with endless excuses from the blood-sport lobby. You have no reasons or justification to kill animals for fun. Grow up and find humane alternatives. 

Given the two versions it is clear which version decent society would support. There is nothing decent about blood-sport or those that support it. 

If you are in Ireland and would like to help support the campaign for the Hare Coursing Ban as well as the campaign against other blood-sport then go to this link. Irish Council Against Blood Sport 

If you are in the UK join us today, check out the membership page.  

Do not let David Cameron bring back animal cruelty. Do not vote Tory at the next General election. Labour have pledged to support the hunting ban. Lets keep the ban and make sure cruelty remains in the past. For Labours new national campaign to back the hunting ban go to www.backtheban.com

 

Hilary shows Cameron is completely out of touch with the British public

Labours new campaign to back the hunting ban is a triumph for animal welfare and democracy in one stroke. By launching this campaign which has the full backing of the Prime minister it speaks volumes to the values that Labour is set to continue if elected after the election.

By launching on Boxing Day, which has up to now been a day of propaganda from the hunting lobby. It challenges direct the view that the hunts are important and that only their view matter. All too often we have seen little balance in how the issue is reported by the media. Today was no exception with a pitiful interview of the Old Surrey and Burstow Hunt Master by the BBC that did its best to avoid having any fair balance at all.

Is the BBC really trying to say that out of the whole country and a new campaign that they could not find anyone to speak in favour of the ban?

The hunting ban not only works. It will continue to set the tone for animal welfare as opposed to animal abuse. Today we see David Cameron pitting his entire party not against Labour but the British public. For that is in effect what he is doing. By taking up the challenge to make out hunting for fun is more important than the economy, its little wonder the public are not impressed.

Hilary Benn has called it right as too has Gordon Brown, for animal cruelty is not an issue that should ever be ignored. It is important because it makes us the type of society we want to be. It’s not for nothing that the nation has a history of defending the underdog and down trodden.  For fairness goes to the core of what being British is all about. It’s nothing to do with a person’s wealth to why others disagree with hunting with dogs.

Watch the Back the Ban Video

Labours back the ban campaign has produced and excellent short video. Introduced by Labour Minister Hilary Benn MP the video has strong messages of support for the hunting ban from actors you will know. 

                                     

Patrick Stewart, Jenny Seagrove & Tony Robinson all support the ban and want you to do the same.

To help the animals and to show your disgust at hunting with dogs all you need to do is share this link around as much as you can. If you use social networking sites then put them to good use. It’s easy and takes seconds.

Tell your friends and family to watch this video and pass it on. The more who see it the more the impact to help our wildlife it generates. Our wildlife deserves so much more than David Cameron and the Countryside Alliance.

Animal cruelty is not civilised and can never be justified. David Cameron is trying to excuse that cruelty. This is your chance to fight back and say no.

Do not forget to go to http://www.backtheban.com/ and add your support and message why you are against the ban being repealed if David Cameron ever got the chance.

 

Add your reasons for Hilary for why you back the ban

Labours new campaign to support the hunting ban is now in full swing. Here is your chance to add your reasons on why you think the hunting ban must stay. This is the first of our campaigns responses to Labour’s new campaign, launched today. So do look out for more articles today and in the coming week.

Hilary Benn MP: Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is leading the charge against David Cameron and his friends in the hunting lobby. He has outlined reasons why Labour not only introduced the hunting ban but also why they are determined to support it.

The DEFRA Minister said:

“For David Cameron, getting the act repealed is a priority.

“He used to hunt foxes; he talked about fox-hunting in his first ever speech to Parliament; and he has said that if he becomes prime minister he will get rid of the fox-hunting ban.

“But, like the vast majority of people, I think that the barbaric act of letting dogs tear foxes to pieces shouldn’t return to our countryside.”

Hilary has set out an easy method via Labours back the ban website to show your support and have your say. All you need do is add you name and e-mail and your views on why hunting must stay banned. It’s quick and easy to do but it makes a difference.

It is open to everyone, so even if you are not a Labour supporter you can still have your say. It is very important that as many people who are opposed to hunting add their views and support for the ban.

So do not just fill in this page yourself, share this page link on social networking sites. Tell you’re friends and families that you have added your views and ask them do the same.

Our wildlife and democracy deserve so much more than David Cameron and the Countryside Alliance. This is your chance to fight back and say no to the hunters.

 

Here is the link just click on the image and below it is our comment we added as an example

www.backtheban.com

 “There is not one signal reason for hunting with dogs; it serves no purpose other than the enjoyment of a tiny few. Labour listened to the people and was right to ban hunting with dogs. The thought of the Tories bringing it back is an utter disgrace and would bring shame on the nation. Animal cruelty in the name of fun is uncivilised and shows those involved lack basic humanity”

What else can you do?

Want to know what your MP or Parliamentary Candidate thinks about hunting? Do they support the hunting ban or do they seek its repeal. You may have a Conservative MP or a candidate who has not made his views known.

Well you as the voter have a right to ask questions and this automated e-mail lets you achieve just that. All parliamentary candidates will be automatically asked the same question so from Labour, Tory and Lib Dem.

All you need to do is add your postcode and e-mail and await the response from them. It’s a great way to let those who want to represent you know what you think. Again it’s open for all to use and you do not have to be a Labour supporter to use it.

http://www.backtheban.com/contact-your-mps

We hope you will consider supporting the Labour candidate if they are anti hunting. The future of our wildlife hangs in the balance if Cameron was to get his way. The more people in Parliament who care for animals the safer they will be.

Why not pass on any comments you receive from the candidates, we have been compiling some of the responses and will place them on Fox in Parliament soon.

Same goes for any comment you add-on why you want the ban to stay.

Of course after you have submitted your comment to the back the ban website first.

We will put them together in an article just send them to :

back.the-hunt-ban@inbobox.com

We are winning this fight to stop animal cruelty returning. David Cameron can be stopped and the hunting lobby are the ones on the run not the fox.

Labour announces hard-hitting campaign to expose the Tories pro-hunt agenda.

Labour has announced a strong and hard-hitting campaign to highlight the Tories pro-hunting agenda, specifically David Cameron’s own links with the pro-hunt lobby and his own record in supporting attempts to repeal the ban.

Repeatedly the Tory leader has talked about his love of deerstalking and promised that a Tory government, if elected, would hold a free vote on whether or not to repeal the existing anti-hunt legislation.

I am in no doubt that such a move will be swiftly denounced by commentators as class war on go Labour’s part, but let’s get a little perspective here. It is extremely easy to divide the hunt issue on class lines, not to mention strategically beneficial. However, this is not about class.

This is about retaining legislation that, despite the undermining efforts of hunt-goers, outlaws a practise that is barbaric, archaic and of little benefit to ordinary people in the countryside. In my time as a resident in East Anglia, I have encountered many people who have at least supported the ban in principle but would possibly agree that there are still many individuals who insist on flouting the law with impunity.

They’re people with real concerns about animal welfare. It is the duty of us who also oppose the ban to ensure that these concerns are met and used to challenge the pro-hunt lobby.

This is a bold move by Labour, especially because of the way such a campaign will inevitably be interpreted. In these times of recession and recovery, perhaps these issues seem trivial. However, if the Tories and their friends in the pro-hunt lobby will insist on making the legislation an issue, then Labour and animal welfare organisations have a duty to challenge and oppose them, for the benefit of animal welfare and countryside democracy.

Hunting Ban Not A Class Issue

If a person commits assault, it is assumed that they will be punished by the law accordingly. If a person steels from a shop it is expected that, that person repays or pays a heavier price for that action.

If somebody commits murder then logic dictates that they are denied their freedom. Now these are all different forms of crime yet that all have something in common.

The law exists because society deems them to be right and just. Why then do hunters feel they have a right to be the only group of people in the land to ignore society’s law? A criminal is deemed to be a person who acts against society or the individual, not for the majority good but for their own personal gain. This can be through profit or motive.

Hunters however seem to struggle with following a law that is laid out so clearly. They assume the law does not apply to them? They assume because they disagree with the law that it means they do not have to respect societies will. So no matter why the hunting ban was introduced they will look for any excuse to ignore it.

One of their favourite excuses for seeking animal cruelty is to hide their actions behind class. You will likely hear yet again that Labour only introduced the law because they hate people with money having fun.  They seem to think that anyone who opposes bloodsport must deep down dislike people with money.   

It’s an easy cop-out to blame the issue on class instead of facing reality. Just like it is to make out the Labour Party is more concerned with a person’s wealth and not animal welfare. Being against hunting has nothing to do with a person’s money, implied or otherwise. People oppose hunting because it is nothing but animal cruelty. Unfortunately for the hunting lobby if they bothered to find out. People from all classes see hunting with dogs as uncivilised and wrong.

The hunting ban came into being because of a shared disgust by decent people who expressed their concerns. Yet the hunters seem oblivious that the British public have spoken loud and clear. They fail to grasp that hunting with dogs has no place in their society. The vast bulk of Labour MPs and party members have always been opposed to hunting with dogs. It is therefore hardly surprising that they would act on the publics concerns.

We have something in the UK which seems an alien concept to the Countryside Alliance and their supporters. Something that has the Conservative Party scratching their heads and something they would rather the public were kept in the dark? It is called Democracy. Something the hunting lobby thinks it is only there for them and on their terms.

That way if they lose they can just ignore the outcome. While the Conservative Party seems to think that if they keep quiet about their intentions. Then the public will not ask awkward questions. Yet they are also very arrogant and for the life of them, can’t work out why repealing the ban is a vote looser.

For when it really comes down to it, you would struggle to pass a piece of paper between the views of the hunting lobby and the parliamentary Tory Party. So when class is used as an excuse you can be sure that Eaton boy Cameron will leap to the hunters and (class) defence. Failing as ever to understand that people’s reactions against him are not where he went to school, but his lack of life experience on anything that matters. 

Class and animal cruelty are completely irrelevant. If a person hunts who is considered poor or wealthy they inflict they same amount of animal cruelty against a living creature. A fox a hare or a stag let alone the poor mink, do not say to themselves. It’s OK I will die in a horrible way but at least the person is rich. They are the victims of a tiny set of people who lack basic humanity. Animals do not see a class distinction, only death.

The hunting world and its backers like David Cameron are good at implying hunters are the victims of society. Not through any sense of injustice or because there is any truth to his words. No, for hunters are portrayed as victims because they used their financial clout to manipulate a so-called free press. They also seek homage from the powerful to continue the myths.

Using money in this way is not about class; it is an abuse of democracy and borders on dictatorship. As soon as people look behind Cameron’s words and they soon see just how hollow his words really are. If the art of deception is to deceive then Cameron should be streaks ahead. Yet the gloss paint over Cameron is looking more and more shabbier these days.

So the next time you hear the claim that being anti hunting is just being anti wealth. Think on why you are against hunting, and ask yourself is that true? That you have based your whole opposition to hunting based on a persons wallet and not animal welfare! Well I imagine you did not have to think long.

Hunting with dogs is about animal cruelty and the attitudes of a tiny section of society who are 100% ignorant to reality. People who chose to put themselves outside of decent society.

Animal cruelty has no class only crime.

On Hunting’s Front Line

I was somewhat skeptical when I was first invited to follow the Cattistock hunt with hunt monitors from my prospective constituency. I didn’t know what the monitors were doing out there or what to expect from either side. However at this point I had already established myself via the local media as vehemently anti-hunt and, as any good Labour PPC, I was quite willing to take the fight directly to the hunters.

At 10am prompt, despite the poor weather, I met with Helen Weeks a local anti hunt monitor and then moved on to meet with other activists. These are the people who go out week after week to monitor and record illegal hunt activity at considerable risk to themselves. Where there is evidence of violations of the Hunting Act 2004 they report it to the local police with the necessary video footage and evidence to back it up. It is perhaps surprising that their efforts result in few prosecutions despite solid evidence of hunting.

I have seen today with my own eyes at this hunt that the Police seem lacking in their duty to enforce the ban. We made sure the police were informed that an illegal fox hunt was taking place and that we were going out but despite this there was no police presence. I am told that the police never turn up. Why? It seems the Police have an attitude problem in arresting hunters. I am sure many an excuse will be given but that is the point they are just excuses.

We arrived shortly after the hunters began their meet and we waited outside the gates of the estate for them to appear. They soon rode out with their hounds and come a little too close to us for comfort; forcing us into the hedges to avoid being trampled. It was undoubtedly their intention to intimidate. Most of all by the intimidating hunters and their very overt policy of intimidation towards peaceful anti-hunt activists who only wish to record the hunt. The anti-hunt activists I met and spent the day with were a small group of four and all equipped with cameras to record the hunt; yet also importantly for personal safety. I was perhaps surprised

It was soon obvious that they didn’t appreciate the camera upon them. Yet if the hunters were, as they claim, only trail hunting why did they so object to being filmed? Surely video footage of the hunt would only vindicate them from suspicion and everyone could go home happy? It was undoubtedly the case that they were fox hunting, not trail hunting, and out for blood. We seen the fox on many occasions running ahead of the hounds however riders and followers ensured we could never get too close. Everything felt so surreal and in many ways like a precision military operation which simply could not fail. 

I was surprised by the arrogance of the hunters and their lack of care for the fox they were hunting down. At one point they were challenged over the illegal nature of their activity to which a man of no more than 30 told us with an astoning laissez-faire attitude that they were all only out “walking their dogs”. 

Hunting with hounds is extremely inefficient so it’s hard to say how many foxes went through cruelty today. We heard a few times the horn sounding to declare a kill. The hunters will continue to do as they wish and as they have done for hundreds of years until we do something to forcibly shut them down. The obvious reality is the hunting ban can work when the Police do their job and enforce it. It was clear the Police for this hunt had not generated any fear of prosecution. The Police have to do more and the excuses for inaction are not justified on the grounds of resources or reasons. 

I know I will go out again with these bold activists, the anti-hunt vanguard, who do not sit around and wait for policy decisions; but instead gather evidence and where possible force the hunters before the courts. I would encourage any MP’s and PPC’s to take a leap and to head out to the front and see things as they are. For me it has been an invaluable experience and re-ignited my desire and steadfast determination to shut these illegal hunts down. 

The hunters who decide to break the law gain a wider arrogance due to Police inaction. So when I hear the claim that the hunting ban is not working I think back to what I have witnessed. It comes across loud and clear that the hunt I observed would not have had such arrogance if the Police enforced this animal cruelty law.

Lee is the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Yeovil

Saving the Tories from themselves

Dan Norris MP, Minister for Rural Affairs addressed the Support the Hunting Act (Ban) UK fringe event at the East of England Labour Party Regional Conference in Stevenage this weekend.

Also on the platform was Gary Hills, campaign director for the Support the Hunting Act (Ban) UK, and Julian Ware-Lane, Parliamentary Candidate for Castle Point.

Issues were discussed around the whole animal cruelty issue, and what this meant in campaigning terms for Labour candidates at the General Election.

Dan Norris made the point that we were saving the Tories from themselves, that animal cruelty often led to other anti-social activities, and our campaign not only had the welfare of animals uppermost in our minds, but also the misguided pro-hunt supporters.

Julian Ware-Lane spoke about the resonance of this issue when out on the doorstep and that here was a clear dividing line between Labour and the Conservatives.

We must drum home the message that animal welfare will be set back years if the Conservatives are returned to power.

Hilary Benn to put the Tories to shame over their calls to bring back hunting

Hilary Benn Secretary of State for DEFRA has signalled Labour’s determination to support the hunting ban over David Cameron’s pledge to give parliamentary time to scraping the law. Hilary said, “The Conservatives know that the public don’t want to see the ban repealed, so they wont be talking about this in the run up to the election – which makes it all the more important that we do”

Labour has now launched a new online tool that enables members of the public to automatically send an e-mail to their MP and also Labour candidates to find out their views over hunting. CLICK HERE

This follows the successful anti hunting e-petition which was rolled out by Mr Ben recently. The new automated e-mail just requires basic details to enable a response to be sought. Fox in Parliament welcomes this move as another indication that Labour is determined to argue against animal cruelty.

Hilary Benn also remarked that “Tory candidates and MPs are going to try to keep quiet about their support for the barbaric activity of using dogs to rip apart foxes – but you can make sure that their views see the light of day” a remark we fully endorse.

Added with recent new polling by (you Gov) that shows 59% of the public would be less likely to back a candidate who seeks repeal of the ban. Then it is clear the information that you could gain will help greatly in creating awareness to the stance of your candidate’s views.

The hunting ban and its survival are too important to be left in the hands of the Conservatives. They have shown again and again that they are more concerned with repealing the ban, then focusing on issues affecting people now. It is clearer then ever that a question mark hangs over David Cameron’s leadership in his obsession with pandering to the hunting lobby.

So as Mr Ben is suggesting the question to ask yourself is do Tory candidates back the ban or not?

Mr Benn went on to conclude “Britain is a modern county. The spectacle of using dogs to rip a fox to shreds has no place here”

Fox in Parliament is keen to help further. So if you receive a response from your Tory candidate which indicates they are supporting repeal then please send it to us. We will add it to these pages so more people will become aware of their views.

Send it via e-mail to back.the-hunt-ban@inbox.com or a copy to our postal address shown below.The silent majority in the UK abhor hunting with dogs, by using this tool you can help speak out against those who seek to kill for fun.

Support the Hunting Act(Ban)UK  PO Box 427, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 9FD

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Polling data, You Gov 6-8^th July 2009 2146 peoples sampled. Commissioned for the League Against Cruel Sports

In response to question

Q: “Please imagine you had chosen a candidate to vote for at the next general election. Now imagine that candidate intended to repeal the Hunting Act and bring back legal hunting of wild animals with dogs. Would that make you..?”

Much more likely to vote for that candidate    7%

A little more likely to vote for that candidate  5%

It would make no difference                                  26%

A little less likely to vote for that candidate   12%

Much less likely to vote for that candidate    47%

Conclusion: 59% state they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who backed repeal