The hunting ban 10 years on  

The hunting ban came into force 10 years ago, and although the issues raised are no longer as frequently in the headlines, it’s true that the passions expressed then are as strong now on all sides.

Hunting has been called “the unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible” by Oscar Wilde. Although I would not choose these exact words to describe hunting, this quote sums up the passion involved of many.

Those who oppose the ban, or who want it repealed, advance several well worn and rather desperate arguments that are trotted out (no pun intended).

They say it helps manage the countryside; gives employment to Masters of Hounds, farriers, kennels, and that we would not need hunting dogs.

It’s also said that hunting is part of a “traditional way of life”. We can all think of activities which thankfully have died out or been banned (bear baiting, cock fighting, hare coursing to name a few).

The Conservative Party will be allowing a free vote in 2015 on repealing the ban, and, in effect, are in favour of repeal, while UKIP talk about “Local Referendum” (that would be held county-by-county)  – which the countryside Alliance have described as unworkable.There have also been comments by proponents that it unenforceable and there are ways round it in practice. Though in reality the law works when enforced.

This is an issue that cuts across parties and all interests. The prominent Conservative backbench MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, has called for her party to drop opposition to the hunting ban, and their manifesto commitment at the next election.

I am a candidate in a rural seat, and have personal rural ties going back unbroken some 236 years.

I am against hunting as a “sport” – for me it’s both a practical but also a moral issue. I’m against cruelty and suffering to animals wherever practicably possible (I’m against the badger cull, too) This is why I’m a member of LAWS (Labour Animal Welfare Society) and Fox in Parliament), and locally I support the work of PACT (Animal Sanctuary) which does great work here and beyond in Norfolk – a county which sadly has one of the highest rates of animal cruelty reported.

It’s a myth that rural folk support hunting. Recent incidents in Mid-Norfolk have involved a local hunt rampaging across a churchyard in Swanton Morley. 80% of the rural population along with just the same amount in urban areas do not support repealing the ban.

The current Conservative MP George Freeman has stated that the Hunting Act takes up police time and I’m sure would vote for it to be scrapped. People still commit burglary but you do not hear calls for that law to be ended. As with any law we can’t pick and choose which to obey. I hope the Act is here to stay.

While the current government hasn’t found time to have a vote, it’s clear a majority Conservative Government would at the very least not be against repeal. I don’t think it will be a major issue overall in 2015, but for many voters it may tilt their final views – wherever they live. If I was elected as MP here, I would vote to keep the Hunting Act, as would a Labour Government.

Harry Clarke is Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Mid-Norfolk