Fox Hunting - Labours Weak Promises Broken

Labour Party's Inaction on Fox Hunting Licences Sparks Outrage

The Labour Party is facing significant criticism for its failure to act on fox hunting licences for Ministry of Defence (MoD) land, an issue that has left many questioning the party's commitment to its own manifesto promises. 

The controversy centers around the Labour Party's inability to notify hunters by the August 1st deadline that licences for hunting on MoD land would not be renewed for the upcoming season starting September 1st. This inaction has sparked widespread disappointment and has raised serious concerns about the party's dedication to animal welfare.

Mark Webster, a concerned resident and animal rights advocate in Telford, has been vocal about the issue. Webster has written multiple letters to Councillor Lee Carter, the new Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, and Shaun Davies, the former council leader and now Labour MP for Telford, urging immediate action. However, Webster's pleas have gone unanswered.

In his letters, Webster highlights the Labour Party's Animal Welfare Manifesto, which includes clear policies to strengthen the Hunting Act by closing loopholes that allow illegal hunting of foxes, deer, and hares. The manifesto also proposes introducing a "recklessness" clause to prevent so called "trail" hunts from being used as a cover for illegal hunting and suggests considering custodial sentences to ensure the act serves as a deterrent.

Webster's correspondence outlines the problematic association between Shaun Davies and Shropshire's Lord Lieutenant, Anna Turner, who is known for her participation in hunts organised by the Wynnstay Hunt. This group has been implicated in numerous instances of illegal and unethical hunting practices, including a recent conviction in December 2023 and ongoing investigations.

"There is substantial video footage available online showing acts of aggression against hunt monitors, illegal use of vehicles on public roads, hounds out of control, and 'terriermen' equipped with spades and terrier dogs to dig out badger sets if a fox goes to ground. These practices are not only illegal but morally reprehensible," Webster wrote in his letter.

Despite these serious allegations and the clear stance of the Labour Party's manifesto against such practices, Shaun Davies has yet to respond to any of Webster's letters. This silence is alarming and suggests a disconnect between the party's public commitments and the actions, or inactions, of its representatives.

Adding to the frustration, Councillor Lee Carter has also failed to respond to Webster's letters since taking over as leader of the council. This continued lack of communication and action from Labour representatives is seen as a betrayal of the party's promises to uphold animal welfare and enforce the Hunting Act.

The Labour government's failure to meet the August 1st deadline to notify hunters about the non-renewal of MoD land licences is a significant blow to animal rights activists. Thousands of foxes and cubs are now at risk of being hunted, a stark contrast to the party's commitments outlined in their manifesto.

"This inaction is not just a disappointment; it is a clear indication of the Labour Party's inability to uphold its own values and promises. Thousands of animals will now suffer because the government failed to act as promised," Webster stated.

For many, this situation is not surprising. Those familiar with the Labour movement have seen similar patterns of unfulfilled promises and lack of decisive action. The party's failure to address this issue leaves a stain on its credibility and raises questions about its commitment to animal welfare and the enforcement of laws designed to protect wildlife.

As the hunting season approaches, the Labour Party's inaction serves as a sobering reminder of the gap between political promises and real-world outcomes. The disappointment felt by many is palpable, and the call for accountability and action continues to grow louder.