Fox hunting (From Barry And District News)

Fox hunting

AFTER reading some of the letters on fox hunting in the local press recently, I felt that I had to state my views.

I have made it my business to find out some of the facts. I spoke to one hunt employee who told me that if hunting with hounds is banned both he and his wife would lose their jobs. They would also be made homeless. In fact, according to the Burns Inquiry up to 8,000 jobs could be lost and £250m would be ripped out of an already fragile rural economy.

I realise, as a Labour Party member, I am out of step with the majority of my colleagues, but I joined the Labour Party because I believe passionately in social justice. Where is the justice in throwing 8,000 people out of work? The Labour Government have not made it clear what type of compensation these workers in the rural economy will receive.

I don't believe that the Prime Minister wanted this legislation but he felt that he had to appease his backbenchers. The cynical way in which the Government has delayed implementing this law for two years is hypocritical. Do they believe that the hunting fraternity will wait to demonstrate against this injustice until after the General Election? When you set out to destroy people's way of life then you must be prepared to accept the conseconsequences.

I hope that my Labour Party colleagues will reflect on this. If the House of Lords delays more important Bills to become law before the General Election, ie, the Pensions Bill, for instance, because of this futile legislation, will the electorate ever forgive this Government?

Mike O'Leary Andover Close Highlight Park Barry