Don't be fooled by the Countryside Alliance March on 22nd September 2002. It is not a "Liberty and Livelihood" march. In the words of the CA's own Chief Executive

"Anyone who does not subscribe to all five principles of our march - and these crucially include the right for people to decide for themselves whether they may hunt - will not be welcome on it"

- that's right if you don't like foxes being ripped to pieces by hounds, don't bother turning up.

Which is a pity, because the other 4 "principles" of the march are worthy points:

• Defend the right of rural people to live their lives responsibly in the way they choose.
• Respects the values and customs of rural communities
• Ensures any laws directed at rural people have their consent
• Addresses the real problems of the countryside which are destroying its communities, its culture, and its children's future

I find it appalling that the ability of rural communities to draw attention to serious rural policy issues is being hijacked and badly damaged by the minority who hunt with dogs.