Labour Conference hear voice of countryside

Two thousand countryside supporters lined the seafront on Thursday outside the Labour Party Conference in Brighton.

They were told by Sam Butler that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott had said – “every time I see this Countryside Alliance and their contorted faces, I redouble my efforts to vote in the House of Commons to abolish foxhunting.”

This was met with anger by those who had turned out on a wet and windy day to vent their feelings against the government.

After speeches by Baroness Ann Mallalieu, Caroline Tisdall and Sam Butler, supporters made their way along the seafront, where floats depicting the realities of the countryside were followed by more than 150 tractors.

Supporters also took part in fringe meetings with the RSPCA, NFU, CLA and Labour Party Rural Renewal.

For latest news, comment and pictures from Brighton, see the CA web pages at http://www.countryside-alliance.org