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Police prevent smelly protest over hunting

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Published Date: 15 September 2004
POLICE were stationed outside the homes of two of Northamptonshire's MPs to prevent pro-foxhunting campaigners from dumping tonnes of horse dung on the politicians' doorsteps.
The campaigners had intended to put a 10-tonne lorry load of stinking manure on Phil Sawford and Phil Hope's driveways before today's vote in the House of Commons, which is expected to call for hunting to be outlawed.
But the intended protest was foiled after police vehicles patrolled the area of the Desborough home of Mr Sawford, who represents Kettering, and the Pipewell home of Mr Hope, who represents Corby and East Northamptonshire.
One pro-hunting campaigner, who wore a mask to disguise his identity, said: "I don't think even Batman could have got in there tonight. It's very disappointing because we had wanted to make a serious point. But the police won't be outside their doors every night."
Both Labour MPs have been strong vocal critics of foxhunting in the past and Mr Sawford appeared on the national ITN news last night to re-state his support for a ban.
However, the issue is now threatening to split those living in rural areas, as the MPs' stance pleases some, it angers many others.
"Outlawing foxhunting will devastate the rural community," another pro-hunter said.
"But while both Mr Sawford and Mr Hope have strong rural elements in their constituencies, neither of them seem willing to listen."
More than a hundred supporters of the county's Woodland Pytchley Hunt have already signed a declaration vowing to continue hunting and even to go to prison if it is banned.
A large group of demonstrators are also expected to travel down from the county today to take part in a planned protest outside Parliament.
In the past decade the Commons have voted nine times to outlaw hunting only for the House of Lords to frustrate their wishes.
However, this time the Government has pledged to use parliamentary legislation to make sure the current bill, which will outlaw hare coursing by February and fox hunting by 2006, is not thwarted.
The two MPs were unavailable for comment today.

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  • Last Updated: 15 September 2004 9:55 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Northampton
 
 
 


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