MP hopefuls on fox hunting
NUNEATON’S Conservative candidate for this year’s election has revealed his views on fox hunting.
Marcus Jones, who is standing to represent the constituency, has been asked for his opinion on the controversial topic.
It comes as party leader and Prime Minister Theresa May faced criticism for pledging a free vote on repealing the ban on fox hunting.
Now Mr Jones has released a statement aiming to clarify his position on the subject.
He said: “A number of passionate constituents have asked for my views on fox hunting, and a possible vote to repeal the current Fox Hunting Act, following the forthcoming General Election.
“Since I was first elected in 2010, I have been clear that if there was a vote to repeal the current Act then I would listen to constituents and make a decision based on the views of my constituents at that point.
“This matter has been more high profile during this election than previously, therefore it has given me a far greater insight into the views of a significant number of local people than previously.”
After requests from voters, Mr Jones has given an insight into how he would vote if there is a free vote and he is an MP.
He added: “In terms of my view, firstly I don’t believe that at a time when we are going to embark of a massive legislative exercise as we leave the EU, I don’t think that the subject of fox hunting should be top of any agenda for legislative change, a view shared by the Prime Minister.
“And secondly, having taken soundings from a significant number of people, of all political persuasions, if there were to be a free vote on the issue, I would not vote to repeal the current Act.
“I hope this helps to clarify my position.”
Other candidates standing to be elected in Nuneaton have also shared their views on fox hunting.
Labour candidate Philip Johnson released a statement pleading for residents to support a petition against bringing back fox hunting.
He said: “It’s a warped sense of priorities when Theresa May thinks the return of fox hunting is something the majority of people in this country would support.
“It is absolutely clear that the British public do not want to see a return to hunting with hounds.
“Voters in Nuneaton want their elected politicians to concentrate on important issues like healthcare, public safety and jobs – not on bringing back cruel blood sports.
“It just shows how utterly out of touch the Tories are that this is their priority.
“Only Labour can be trusted to fight for working people on the issues that matter.
“I’m asking everyone in Nuneaton to sign Labour’s petition against bringing back fox hunting and send a clear message to the Tories.”
Liberal Dmeocrat Dr Richard Brighton-Knight has vowed to fight to improve animal welfare.
He said: “Rather than worrying about fox hunting, Theresa May should be focused on the dam- age that Liam Fox’s and her Hard Brexit Cabinet would do to farmers, rural communities and animal welfare standards.
“Liberal Democrats have consistently fought to improve animal health and welfare standards and I as Nuneaton’s MP will continue to do so.
“The Liberal Democrats will update farm animal welfare codes and promote the responsible stewardship of antibiotic drugs and will also intro- duce stronger penalties for animal cruelty offences, increasing the maximum sentencing from six months to five years, and bring in a ban on caged hens.
“I am totally against fox hunting, it is an unnecessary and barbaric cruelty.
“No animal should ever be treated like this.”
Green candidate Chris Brookes and UKIP candidate Craig Carpenter have been asked for their views.