Comment on the Resumption of Hunting in the UK

There are a number of conflicting rumors about the possible resumption of hunting (in the UK).   The Alliance, as well as many other rural based organizations are in daily contact with politicians and DEFRA officials calling for the publication of the Veterinary Risk Assesment relating to hunting.

 
Sam Butler says

"There are many rumours about the resumption of hunting, none of which have yet been confirmed by DEFRA.  There is no reason for DEFRA to continue to withhold the conclusions of the Veterinary Risk Assesment for hunting and the Ministry's
announcement/decision about the resumption of hunting so that people can start planning their lives and businesses. Be that as it may Hunting will only restart when farmers are happy for it to do so."

The businesses and trades affected by this suspension of hunting should continue to apply pressure to their MP's and local DEFRA offices for the risk assesment to be published.
 

Scotland & The Watson Bill

Stage 2 (consideration of amendments) continues, and Tuesday's meeting of the Rural Development Committee of the Scottish Parliament provided an opportunity for members of the gamekeepers, hill packs and terrier organisations to provide
further oral evidence on aspects of the Bill. The SCA was denied the opportunity to do so but submitted substantial
written evidence to the Committee.

This Stage will continue for several weeks, at the end of which the expectation is that a revised Bill will be submitted
to the Parliament for debate and a vote (Stage 3). No accurate timescale is available for Stage 3, and there is a possibility
that it could take place before the parliamentary recess on 21 December. To read the debate, visit the committee's section
of the Scottish Parliament's website - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk

Plans are being made by the SCA for a major march in Edinburgh prior to Stage 3. Friends and supporters across Europe are being invited to come and support Scottish countrymen in expressing their opposition to the Watson Bill - the first time there has been a deliberate parliamentary attack on rural Scotland since devolution. The date of the march cannot be settled until the parliamentary timetable for the Bill is clearer - but please stand by to come to Edinburgh as early as the start of December to support your Scottish friends. We will let you have a firm date and details of the march as soon as we can.

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