UK Government:
Leave fox hunting where it belongs - in the history books!
July 12, 2015 - Traditional fox hunting with dogs is illegal across Britain, but in England and Wales, only two dogs can be used to flush out a fox so that a farmer or landowner can shoot him/her, while in Scotland an unlimited number of dogs can be used.
Fox hunting is controversial, particularly in the UK, where its traditional form was banned in Scotland in 2002, and in England and Wales in November 2004 (law enforced from February 2005), although certain modified forms of hunting foxes with hounds are still within the law, and shooting foxes as vermin also remains lawful.
The practice of fox hunting involves setting a pack of dogs on a fox and then chasing him/her on horseback, usually in traditional dress. The "sport" is to many people a vicious and outdated pastime, and the idea of repealing the ban put in place by the Labour government, so that people like Cameron can hunt and kill helpless creatures, is a horrific one.
Fox hunting is controversial, particularly in the UK, where its traditional form was banned in Scotland in 2002, and in England and Wales in November 2004 (law enforced from February 2005), although certain modified forms of hunting foxes with hounds are still within the law, and shooting foxes as vermin also remains lawful.
The practice of fox hunting involves setting a pack of dogs on a fox and then chasing him/her on horseback, usually in traditional dress. The "sport" is to many people a vicious and outdated pastime, and the idea of repealing the ban put in place by the Labour government, so that people like Cameron can hunt and kill helpless creatures, is a horrific one.
Sir Paul McCartney said: 'The people of Britain are behind this Tory government on many things but the vast majority of us will be against them if hunting is reintroduced.
'It is cruel and unnecessary and will lose them support from ordinary people and animal lovers like myself.'
'It is cruel and unnecessary and will lose them support from ordinary people and animal lovers like myself.'
Queen guitarist Brian May has already voiced his opposition to the move, warning that the rule changes will only benefit those who wish to take part in 'a sadistic blood sport for fun'.
On Wednesday, July 15, MPs will get a free vote on an amendment which will allow the use of packs of dogs to flush out foxes for the purposes of ‘pest control’. The practice currently limits the number to two and is carried out by farmers.
Robbie Marsland, director of the League Against Cruel Sports, said:
“This is nothing but sneaking hunting in through the back door. By amending the Hunting Act like this, the Government are deliberately and cynically making it easier for hunts to chase and kill foxes, and harder for them to be convicted when they break the law.
“This is not about hunting foxes for pest control. It’s about hunting foxes for fun. David Cameron pledged to hold a free vote on bringing back hunting but clearly they know they couldn’t win. So now they are using deception to fool the public.”
Fox Hunting - Will the SNP vote to repeal the fox hunting act?
Official statement from the SNP:
"Legislation over fox hunting is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, and Scotland took the opportunity to ban fox hunting in 2002, some two years before the legislation passed south of the border. There are no plans to repeal this legislation.
As regards any legislation to repeal the ban in England and Wales, the SNP Group at Westminster has not yet decided its stance. While SNP MPs have tended not to participate in votes on domestic English/Welsh legislation which do not apply to Scotland, the party's Westminster Group will not decide a position on this matter until such time as any proposed legislation can be studied and assessed."
The Scottish National Party will hold a meeting tomorrow afternoon, July 13, to discuss whether or not they will vote on Wednesday. They are monitoring public opinion, so it's vital that we all email them.
Please email them, and ask your friends to do the same. We only have until tomorrow afternoon. Simply copy & past the sample letter below, or use your own words, and send your email to: [email protected]
Thank you very much, in advance.
Dear First Minister and Leader of the Scottish National Party,
I completely understand and respect the SNP's official policy of not voting on matters at Westminster which do not affect Scotland. However, I am pleading with you to allow your 56 MPs at Westminster to vote in defense of the Hunting Act this Wednesday in the House of Commons.
The government's plan to amend the Hunting Act will, without a doubt, undermine the ban on hunting with dogs in Scotland. Furthermore, the vote is not about politics - it is a vote about morals and ethics. The wildlife of England and Wales is depending on its life for the SNP to vote this Wednesday. All wildlife is equal, regardless of where it is in the UK.
Please safeguard the Hunting Act, and please, please do not allow one of the worst forms of animal abuse to come back to our countryside.
Yours faithfully,
(Your name)
Labour calls on SNP MPs to vote against controversial changes to hunting ban
The Labour party is calling on the SNP to vote against plans to amend the law on fox hunting in England and Wales this week.
Tory Ministers have proposed controversial changes to the Hunting Act, which would bring England and Wales back in line with Scotland on using dogs to flush out foxes to be shot.
Labour will oppose the changes in the Commons on Wednesday, but Tory MP’s have been given a free vote, meaning Conservative members will not be forced to follow a party line on the issue. With such a slim Tory majority, this means that the actions of the 56 SNP MPs in Westminster could prove crucial to the outcome.
Writing to the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson, Labour frontbenchers Ian Murray and Maria Eagle have called for SNP support.
Shadow Scottish secretary Mr Murray and shadow environment secretary Ms Eagle said: "Many people, including in Scotland, will oppose any move by the Government to water down the existing law in England.
Read more...
Tory Ministers have proposed controversial changes to the Hunting Act, which would bring England and Wales back in line with Scotland on using dogs to flush out foxes to be shot.
Labour will oppose the changes in the Commons on Wednesday, but Tory MP’s have been given a free vote, meaning Conservative members will not be forced to follow a party line on the issue. With such a slim Tory majority, this means that the actions of the 56 SNP MPs in Westminster could prove crucial to the outcome.
Writing to the SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson, Labour frontbenchers Ian Murray and Maria Eagle have called for SNP support.
Shadow Scottish secretary Mr Murray and shadow environment secretary Ms Eagle said: "Many people, including in Scotland, will oppose any move by the Government to water down the existing law in England.
Read more...
GOOD NEWS and HOPE for UK's foxes
Mon, 13/07/2015 - 20:13 - The Scottish National Party Westminster Group met this evening and decided to vote against the Tory Government's attempt to relax the ban on fox hunting south of the border in Wednesday's vote.
SNP Westminster Group Leader Angus Robertson MP said:
"We totally oppose fox hunting, and when there are moves in the Scottish Parliament to review whether the existing Scottish ban is strong enough, it is in the Scottish interest to maintain the existing ban in England and Wales for Holyrood to consider.
"We are in a situation where the Tory government are refusing to agree to any amendments to improve the Scotland Bill - which are supported by 58 of Scotland's 59 MPs - and imposing English Votes for English Laws to make Scotland's representation at Westminster second class.
"In these circumstances, it is right and proper that we assert the Scottish interest on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban - in the process, reminding an arrogant UK government of just how slender their majority is - just as we will vote against the Tory welfare cuts next week, and appeal to Labour to join us."
Read more...
SNP Westminster Group Leader Angus Robertson MP said:
"We totally oppose fox hunting, and when there are moves in the Scottish Parliament to review whether the existing Scottish ban is strong enough, it is in the Scottish interest to maintain the existing ban in England and Wales for Holyrood to consider.
"We are in a situation where the Tory government are refusing to agree to any amendments to improve the Scotland Bill - which are supported by 58 of Scotland's 59 MPs - and imposing English Votes for English Laws to make Scotland's representation at Westminster second class.
"In these circumstances, it is right and proper that we assert the Scottish interest on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban - in the process, reminding an arrogant UK government of just how slender their majority is - just as we will vote against the Tory welfare cuts next week, and appeal to Labour to join us."
Read more...
Hunting vote delayed after SNP U-turn
New restrictions on Scottish MPs' voting rights on non-Scottish issues could now be introduced first.
A vote on relaxing the Hunting Act planned for Wednesday has been postponed after the SNP said it would oppose the changes.
The Hunting Act changes apply to England and Wales only - something the SNP had said it would not vote on.
Nicola Sturgeon's change of heart meant David Cameron's hunting law plan would not get through the Commons.
A Downing Street source said: "This happened because Nicola Sturgeon has done a 180-degree u-turn.
"Her actions speak for themselves. That's why we are in the position we are in."
But Ms Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader, accused the government of "high-handed arrogance".
The government's decision to reschedule the vote came as anti-hunting protesters gathered at the Houses of Parliament to protest against changing the law.
The changes would have brought the Hunting Act in line with Scotland, where an unlimited number of dogs can be used to "flush out" a fox to be shot, compared to just two in England and Wales. But the 56 SNP MPs, plus Labour and some Conservative MPs opposed to hunting, meant the government's change stood little chance of being approved in Wednesday's free vote.
The SNP says it will now consider tightening the law in Scotland to match England and Wales. (Source)
A vote on relaxing the Hunting Act planned for Wednesday has been postponed after the SNP said it would oppose the changes.
The Hunting Act changes apply to England and Wales only - something the SNP had said it would not vote on.
Nicola Sturgeon's change of heart meant David Cameron's hunting law plan would not get through the Commons.
A Downing Street source said: "This happened because Nicola Sturgeon has done a 180-degree u-turn.
"Her actions speak for themselves. That's why we are in the position we are in."
But Ms Sturgeon, Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader, accused the government of "high-handed arrogance".
The government's decision to reschedule the vote came as anti-hunting protesters gathered at the Houses of Parliament to protest against changing the law.
The changes would have brought the Hunting Act in line with Scotland, where an unlimited number of dogs can be used to "flush out" a fox to be shot, compared to just two in England and Wales. But the 56 SNP MPs, plus Labour and some Conservative MPs opposed to hunting, meant the government's change stood little chance of being approved in Wednesday's free vote.
The SNP says it will now consider tightening the law in Scotland to match England and Wales. (Source)
Is this the new "democracy" in the UK?
Where a "free vote" would only be conducted IF the result could be manipulated?
This is good news for UK's foxes, but don't forget that the matter has only been postponed.
Please keep writing to your MPs reminding them that you expect them to vote against the repeal. Please keep up signing petitions and sending emails. This is not over yet!