Join the march for rural freedom

23 April 2002

The Countryside Alliance’s “Summer of Discontent” will include a protest march in London on Sunday, 22 September

The Countryside Alliance has announced that its London march will take place on Sunday, 22 September. The march will play a key role in the alliance’s “Summer of Discontent“.

Alliance chief executive Richard Burge said: “The purpose of this march will be to show Parliament that it would be foolish to ignore the scale and depth of distrust and anger rural people feel at this moment.

“Anyone who does not subscribe to the principles of our march – and this crucially includes the right for people to decide for themselves whether they hunt – will not be welcome on it. This march is about liberty and livelihood.”

The date was chosen to have maximum impact on Parliament before DEFRA’s consultation period ends, while avoiding clashes with major countryside events.

However, there are a number of equestrian fixtures taking place on 22 September, including the national dressage championships and the Royal County of Berkshire Show, which plays host to a number of affiliated showing and show jumping classes.

British Dressage is currently considering rearranging the schedule for its four-day national championships to keep the Sunday clear, while British Eventing is looking at altering weekend fixtures at Offchurch Bury, Aske Hall and Burnham Market to run on Friday and Saturday.

Read more about the hunting debate:

• Commons vote for hunting ban
• Hunting ban rejected by Lords
• Have your say in the HHO Hunting Debate forum

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