| Hunting Bill....and beyond |
| The 30th June 2003 was witness to an amazing display of underhand corruption. The Government attempted to introduce their wishy washy amendments (new Clause 13) BEFORE the backbenchers amendment to ban fox hunting (new Clause 11). It didn't take a mastermind to work out that 11 comes before 13 but the Government wanted a vote on 13 first which would have cancelled out the vote on the ban. Treachery! Well almost....but the Rt Hon Gerald Kaufman MP saved the day by ensuring that the promised free vote on a total ban would indeed take place. And took place it did with an overwhelming 208 majority in favour of the ban. This of course led to certain opposition members blowing a gasket or two, especially Nicholas Soames who I felt was in mortal danger of going in to cardiac arrest. Well, now we are at the point where the Bill has been recommitted back to the Standing Committee and is now due to return for its Report Stage on Wednesday, 9th July. This is a crucial time for us as the Bill needs to be viable so that it can leave the Commons to go to that 'other place' the following day. Much will depend on how the Bill has been reworded and that it remains within the context of the original Hunting Bill. The Speaker of the House of Commons gave his assurance on the 30th June that should this Bill go to the House of Lords, the Parliament Act would indeed be invocable. Naturally we can expect very stiff opposition in the Lords BUT it matters not. They do not have the final say on the matter. If they object to the Government's amendments on two separate occasions, it will return to the Commons who will then invoke the Parliament Act. The Countryside Alliance are hoping that they can scupper the Bill before it leaves the Commons as they know full well that once it has left there, they are doomed and there is nothing they can do about it. They can march and rally all they wish but haven't they got the brains to realise that the British people are mightily sick of their gameplay and bullying tactics? According to the Observer, 6th July 2003, the Real CA are planning all manner of things but the only outcome I can envisage is arrest, court appearance and appropriate disposal. Of course, it will depend on how serious their efforts will be. But one thing these people really need to understand is that over 60% of the British public want this total ban. This is commonly known as democracy, something the pro lobbyists like to term 'bigotry'. How on earth do these people expect to be taken seriously? Since when did bullying ever get anyone anywhere? And do the Exmoor hunts not realise that the majority of Exmoor people are not supportive of hunting whatsoever? Hate to say this folks, but for those who intend to blatantly show their contempt and total disregard to the health and safety of both people and animals, you are being watched and you will be reported to the appropriate authorities...and I'm not talking about the MFHA or ISAH Ltd either. The anti movement is now rapidly growing in Exmoor as it is around the country and those who intend to flout the Law will find themselves up against huge opposition from the locals they claim support their cause. How sad can you get and how low can you stoop? Democracy and morality will win and my suggestion to those hardcore blood junkies is to go away, think about your childish responses and start thinking about drag/clean boot hunting. No jobs would be lost, no hounds destroyed and everyone can still experiencet the pomp and pageantry of the hunt meet etc.. Admit that hunting has nothing to do with pest control and never has done. Be honest for once in your lives and stop trying to indoctrinate people with your deceits and outright lies. |