THE 'nobs' and their 'hangers-on' have had their day for protesting about countryside rights - in reality a cover for defending fox and stag hunting 'rights' - so we can now sum up some of the issues involved, issues particularly here in North Lancs.

The devious right-wing politicos who manipulate the 'Countryside Alliance' have tried to obfuscate public outrage at the arrogant sadism involved in fox and stag hunting and killing by, belatedly, dragging in the legitimate grievances of rural transport losses, post office closures, the incompetent handling of the foot and mouth epidemic, rural poverty, low wages and job insecurity.

Anybody taken in by this ruse must be particularly dim-witted, or else pressurised into compliance by the wealthier sections of rural landowners who back fox and stag hunts and the vested interests involved with them.

Where were these 'CA' people when rural rail links and stations were shut down by the Tory pro-roads lobby led by Marples and Beeching in the 1960s? Where were they when thousands of miners (coal mines were overwhelmingly in rural areas) lost their jobs (and livelihoods) in the 1980s and 90s under Thatcher and Major? Where was/is the concern for 'liberty' when we have the most vicious anti-union laws in the '

developed' world and the most draconian anti-immigration, asylum assembly and 'anti-terror' laws in Europe or North America? The answer; they were/are absolutely nowhere to be seen or heard, or in many cases assisting and cheering on those rotten actions!

Nobody has the 'right' to hunt for pleasure and as an assertion of their social superiority (self assumed) wild sentient creatures in such a prolonged and sadistically ritualised fashion.

In these cases (fox, stag and hare-coursing particularly) the House of Commons majority in absolutely correct to go against them.

What is to stop these people (the pro-hunt mob) continuing to ride to hounds using scented drags as they do even in the much-vaunted USA?Only their own injured pride, their social and political insecurity and their arrogant, extreme right-wing hostility even to this very reactionary 'New Labour; Government of Blair, Brown, Campbell.

Those most concerned about the other issues the pro-hunters have tried to hijack should turn instead to the trade union and socialist movement for real and genuine support and assistance.

Contact sdstrict TUC on 01524 413600 for more details.

Really stand up for your rights!

Steve Metcalfe

Palatine Ave

Lancaster