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Now whilst hardly a burning issue, it is one where the foolishness of our directly elected representatives has over-ridden simple reason however, I am not of a mind to suggest repealing this Law. Introducing laws that cannot be enforced as this one, is always totally stupid bringing the law into disrepute and in that context, the real laugh probably lies in leaving things as they are if only to teach MPs of all parties the folly of coffee house ideology triumphing over good old common sense.

A Local Issue

I must confess that my personal view is more in line with Oscar Wilde’s “The unspeakable in pursuit of the inedible” and an activity I would never participate in but that said, I see no earthly reason why it was banned in the first place, more a case of “class spite” by urban Labour MPs than clear reason. The basis of English/Welsh Law has always been that, that which is not banned is by default, therefore a legal activity. That since 1997 we have had an influx of the ignorant and mentally retarded as MPs (care in the community doesn’t work), should not deflect us the people, in an expectation of accountability, if not intelligence from our elected representatives.

Additionally, there was always a case that this was an issue that should be dealt with at the local level through Parish Councils as it is the local people who are effected by the activity, not a bunch of “townie socialist MPs”. Parliament should only have an overriding responsibility where there is a major clash of morals or ethics such as a local council deciding that “Honour Killings” were legitimate. In this case, just how could Parliament decide upon the local economic conditions that prevail ? If a particular area relied pretty heavily on fox hunting economically, is it for Westminster to make a decision on that ? I think not.

In the case of Fox Hunting, Parliament should have restricted themselves to laying down the rules and procedures whereby if, a Parish Council after following a given consultation or referendum process, declared the activity forbidden, central government resources would be provided to enforce such a ban – end of. It is a local not a national decision as are so many when you think about it – schools, health care, transport and so on.

Blood Sport Cruelty

For those who would protest that fox hunting is a “barbaric blood sport”, I would point out that probably the biggest UK sport is fishing but as fish don’t scream, Parliament hasn’t decided to tackle that one because there are too many people who do it and regardless of political party, MPs are pretty good at being cowardly, dishonest and evading real issues where they may.

Beyond that and whilst living in Somerset currently, I am a “London Boy” and know only too well the story of the ‘urban fox’. My question there is when the “pest control” people from the local council put down poison to kill a Vixen and her cubs, because residents in their double glazed flats can’t her her scream and can’t see her death throws, does that make it all okay ?

Parliament is also very good at shooting sitting ducks whilst lacking the courage to tackle real problems a good example of which is banning smoking but not dealing with the greatest carcinogen, the motor car so, you leave the smoke free restaurant, put your child in a buggy so that it is now at just the right height to get a good blast of exhaust fumes.

The ban on fox hunting is a prime example of brainless MPs “wanting to do something” but not “anything too important” and probably explains why they are so eager to surrender their jobs and responsibilities to Brussels. More a case of. “You can have the UK, all I want is £250,000 a year and I will be your servant !” All roads lead to the Rome Treaty for them.