Mrs May Admits Defeat On Hunting With Dogs

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42594068

A Manifesto promise made only a few months ago is now abandoned.

[murraymints]

quite right.. but something needs to be done about enforcing the ban..hunts are still going ahead and the police authorities do not seem to be acting appropriately

[Islay]

Things change, as do attitudes. It would be a poor leader that did not change or adapt policies depending on public perceptions.

[dannyk13]

Bang on Islay.

[waterboatman]

It needs an outright ban. That's the only way it will work.

[mikey4444]

Agree 100% Minty. The despicable Hunts have been riding roughshod over the existing legislation for too long now.

If I were younger and my health was better, I would join in the activities of the Sabs !

[murraymints]

I'd pull on the wellies and grab the whistles, biscuit tins and aniseed balls again if it happened here...

[waterboatman]

Me too.

[mikey4444]

Islay....you are right of course. We should be grateful that our politicians listen to us once in a while.

But Mrs May's mistake was to include a promise on a vote to repeal the Hunting Act in last years Tory Party Manifesto in the first place. The public abhorrence and opposition to hunting with dogs was as clear before the Election, as it is now. She should have seen that. But instead, she ploughed on regardless and is now left with egg on her face.

Its typical of her inability to read the situation.

[Islay]

So is this a question on the evils of fox hunting or on Mrs May's ability to lead the country please?

[mikey4444]

Islay.....both.

Hunting animals with dogs is evil and cruel, and yes, Mrs May has shown a marked inability to read the public mood in this affair.

[Islay]

Right in that case I am walking away then, Thank you.

[mikey4444]

That is your right and privilege Islay.

[Jackdaw33]

So hunting animals without dogs is OK? That's what Mikey seems to be saying. I don't get it.

[mikey4444]

Mrs May will explain her reasons for abandoning her plans in the interview with Andrew Marr, at 09:00 this morning, on BBC One

[mikey4444]

Jack ...I am saying nothing of the sort, and you are far too bright to think that I was !

The Hunting Act of 2004 is here to stay.

[waterboatman]

That's not what he's saying at all jack.

[Old_Geezer]

It was a strange thing to include. But being in such a strong position she probably thought that she could 'test the water'.

[mikey4444]

OG....Call me Dave also promised a free vote but that disappeared as well.

Its the Tory Party's inability to understand the public abhorrence of hunting wild animals with dogs that continues to surprise me.

If May thought that it was going to be vote-winner, than it really shows how out of touch she is with public opinion.

[woofgang]

I read this a bit differently. She knew all along that it was a hot potato as did Cameron but they had Old Conservatives and other intersted parties to keep onside and the free vote promise was a sop to them. I think she has struck an interesting balance here....saying in effect “I am on your side guys but now is not the time, would love to help but brexit you know, my hands are tied”

[mikey4444]

Woofy...an interesting take on this affair !

I wish I had your faith in Theresa having the Machiavellian mind to think it up though.