At the Annual General Meeting of the MFHA last week at the Belfry, over 300 members heard the Chairman, Lord Daresbury, set out the Association's hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

Lord Daresbury explained how the battle for hunting could only be won as a united movement. "The Association stands shoulder to shoulder with the Countryside Alliance" he said. "Furthermore we all, inside and beyond hunting, need a solution for the future which is politically achievable, legally secure, continues to be supported by the media and is underpinned by favourable public opinion."

"Our position is not a defence of cruelty, which is indefensible. It is a straightforward explanation of the positive role that hunting plays in the countryside, and how it is properly and effectively regulated."

"Hunting provides selective and area-sensitive fox management; the creation of habitats which promote wildlife and biopersity; a fallen stock service to farmers; valuable local jobs in rural communities; and a focus for social life, especially in isolated areas."

"Properly conducted hunting has nothing to hide", he added. "The more open and accountable we are, the more we welcome public scrutiny the easier it will be for us to engage in dialogue with those in positions of public responsibility."

The Chairman also stressed how important it was for members to embrace change and modernisation without fear of losing hunting's justification.

Countryside Alliance Campaign for Hunting Chairman Sam Butler further explained the rationale behind the Alliance's 'Summer of Discontent'

"The thinking behind the campaign is entirely focused on devising and carrying out the sorts of activities which generate sympathy and understanding from the general public. I cannot overemphasise the importance of this point. We must understand that belligerence, aggressiveness and causing major inconvenience to the public will quickly erode sympathy and support. Our demonstrations have to build respect and understanding, block by block. If at any stage we push the bounds too far, too fast we will be back to the bottom like a game of snakes and ladders.

Also addressing the meeting was one of Britain's leading lawyers, Richard Lissack QC. Mr Lissack outlined the legal process following the Scottish Parliament's decision to ban hunting and his work alongside Paul Cullen QC, the leading barrister in Edinburgh.

Mr Lissack explained the four areas upon which the claim to the European Court of Human Rights is being based and also described the enormous constitutional upheaval the use of the Parliament Act on a UK Bill would present. "The only way a ban can be imposed is for the Government to use the Parliament Act to force through the will of the House of Commons. This is uncharted territory. Territory no properly advised politician will wish to enter unless forced to do so."

He went on, "If we seek to enforce human rights we must earn them. We must win tolerance and respect. Members should resist 'short term gain for long term pain'. Such action makes the presentation of the legal argument very much harder. There is a chance of a solution and I hope it is one that is found outside the courts."

Ends.

For further information please contact Alastair Jackson on 01285 831470 or 07774 262540