Pressure groups claim scalps
Pro-hunting and anti regiment closure pressure groups have claimed the scalps of a large number of MPs in the general election.
Save the Scottish Regiments says it contributed towards Labour’s loss of five MPs in Scotland and pro-hunting group Vote-OK claims to have helped oust 29 anti-hunting MPs.
Vote-OK’s national co-ordinator Charles Mann said the campaign had been a “huge success”.
He cited the ousting of Wrekin MP Peter Bradley (PPS to Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael), Stephen Twigg and Helen Clark as examples of where activism had worked.
Mr Mann said: “Twenty-nine anti hunting MP’s out, and 21 left with tiny majorities to get next time- this has been a huge success for hunting and an important boost for the volunteers who have participated in the campaign.
“With only six weeks preparation and no previous experience thousands of hunt supporters have been organised to campaign on a substantial and hitherto unseen level in modern politics. As a result they have shown that when enough people get involved in politics with a purpose and in an organised and focussed way they can, and have, made a difference.”
He added: “This has been the rehearsal, at the next election we will help ensure that this potent force is enabled to play an even greater role in securing an early repeal to the ban on hunting.”
And Save the Scottish Regiments said that Labour’s weakened position in Scotland was partly due to the “arrogance of its leadership in ignoring issues such as Save the Scottish Regiments campaign”.
Many of its leading figures – including campaign manager Jeff Duncan – have now decided to join the SNP claiming it is “the party of Scotland, representing ordinary Scots-man and women”.
Mr Duncan said: “We look forward to actively supporting the SNP and ensuring they have a successful 2007 Holyrood election and ultimately to see Alex Salmond secure the position of First Minister. A vote for the SNP is a vote for Scotland’s future.”
