Bradshaw: Tories 'running scared' of hunting debate
THE Tory hopeful for Exeter, Hannah Foster, has denied accusations by Labour rival Ben Bradshaw that her party prevented her from going on TV to talk about fox-hunting.
Mrs Foster was asked to appear on the BBC's Politics Show on Sunday to talk about the issue but said she could not because of prior arrangements.
Exeter MP Mr Bradshaw yesterday issued a statement accusing South West Conservatives of "running scared".
"The Tories refused to provide a single candidate to take part," he said.
"The BBC had to take the unusual step of going ahead with the programme without a Conservative representative.
"It is extraordinary for the Conservatives to gag their candidates in this way during the General Election campaign.
"Is it because they realise their threat to bring back hunting is so unpopular that they hope people won't notice?"
The Conservative candidate for Exeter told the Echo it was no secret she was in favour of repealing the ban.
"It's nonsense to say we've been gagged on this issue," she said. "The fact is I had an interview scheduled for Exeter FM on Sunday and later engagements at the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink.
"Labour talk about fox-hunting because they don't have anything else to talk about."
Hunt supporters have said they will campaign for the Tories in Exeter because of Mr Bradshaw's support for the ban.
ELECTION NEWS: PAGE 10
10 Comments
by Norman Bryant, west sussex
Wednesday, April 14 2010, 7:45PM
“I watched the program and if there had been a tory MP in favour of repeal it would have been rather one sided as it was one was in favour of the ban and one was for repeal, sounds fair, but Beeb I do think you could have concetrated on far more important issuses for which there are many”
by hugo, exeter
Wednesday, April 14 2010, 10:27AM
“Hunting is a sordid, nasty and appallingly cruel activity---rubbish. the rights of people to live their own lives without interference is most important. the veggies argue that all meat is murder. if i want to kill a fox or badger or chickhen ---or any animal-- what is the problem?
get on your bike Ben.... lets have common sense running the county.”
by Keith, Redhills
Wednesday, April 14 2010, 9:13AM
“I don't think they have said they will repeal the law. They have said there will be a free vote. Which is very unlikely to see a majority in favour of changing the law. However, as others have said there are far more pressing issues to be addressed first.”
by Sarah, Surrey
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 10:59PM
“How about Labour answering a few questions about that dodgy dossier that took us into the Iraq war. I'm a hunt supporter, but I have my priorities and things like wars and economies come further up the list.”
by Rob, Polsloe - Exeter
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 7:06PM
“Why on earth would any one who lives in Exeter want to see the hunting ban lifted. This bizarre money and time wasting move by the Conservatives will only please a very small number of country living hunters desperate to kill after their 'fun' chasing wild animals.”
by Graham, Chard
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 5:36PM
“Hunting is a sordid, nasty and appallingly cruel activity. The hunters are salivating at the prospect of a Tory election victory and the promised repeal.
Perhaps Mr Cameron is in favour of law and order for everyone except his hunting chums. One thing is for sure - this promise of a repeal of the hunt ban has firmly reinstated the Tory party as the nasty party - and nothing is nastier than hunting.”
by M James, Central Exeter
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 1:33PM
“The Tories seem to have this ludicrous idea that they're going to save money by reducing waste, yet they're ready to drag the hunting ban back through parliament again, wasting MPs time and tax payers money and all because they¿re DESPERATE for a few countryside votes. If Brown and Co are such a shambles, it¿s disconcerting that the Tories are unable to put forward a decent manifesto or leader that¿s ready to take the initiative and win a clear majority, but instead will just about manage a few extra seats in a hung parliament. The facts are the Tories are as mistrusted now as they ever were and the same is true of Hannah Foster.”
by Anon, Exeter
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 12:48PM
“Call me ignorant but I don't watch things like the Politics Show. However, I do listen to Exeter FM and Hannah came across really well on Sunday. Watch your back, Ben.”
by Ade, Exeter
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 12:43PM
“Can we get to the important issues for many Exeter Citizens.
Unitary Status, fair funding for schools, clean hospitals, social care and Jobs.
Hunting is an activity that attracts a minority of people and is objected to by a similar minority and should be very low on our list of priorities.
Unfortunately hunting seems to be the only thing Ben Bradshaw has left with which to try and retain his seat.”
by James, Exeter
Tuesday, April 13 2010, 12:14PM
“Why are the BBC, the Express and Echo, and Ben Bradshaw focusing on hunting, is it one of the major issues of today?”