Don’t worry, fox hunting is just May’s distraction
I CAN understand the revulsion and hullabaloo that will result from Theresa May’s suggestion that she will re-open the issue of fox hunting. But with 700 parliamentary hours already spent on it, we shouldn’t take the bait.
Just consider the issues: homelessness, the future of our public services, questions of politicians probity, climate change, tax dodging, debt, dodgy trade deals, the flogging off of public assets, the attack on working and environmental standards threatened by Brexit, the threat to our parliamentary sovereignty, the nature of our tolerant and multicultural society, and goodness knows what else.
If Mrs May wants to get rid of a fox she could start with Liam.
Do we want to call our politicians to account in the next four weeks or are we going to allow her to throw dust into our eyes?
Any change will take many steps, campaigners can work on, quite apart from direct action.
Let’s not get distracted - there’s time for that later. Now we need our eyes clear. Jod Littletown, Ashton OSCAR Wilde described fox hunting as “the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable” – a sentiment that, 12 years after the Hunting Act came into force, continues to reflect the views of British public, 84 per cent of whom find the idea of frightened foxes being torn to shreds by packs of hounds deeply offensive.
Theresa May’s intention to exploit the unbalanced political picture in Britain to subvert the wishes of the majority for the sick (and sickening) amusement of a minority who enjoy terrorising and killing animals is blatant opportunism.
We expect those in positions of power to protect the most vulnerable and helpless, not bully and destroy them.
Blood sports of any kind have no place in modern Britain, something Mrs May will quickly come to understand if she persists in her attempt to repeal the very popular hunting ban. Elisa Allen, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Thanks for donations
ON behalf of the St George’s Day Committee, I would like to say thank you to all who took part in the parade and the fantastic crowd that turned out to watch and their contributions to the collection, which raised £702.05.
That as been donated to the Ancoats Dispensary Trust to help match Heritage Lottery Funding so this once beautiful building can be brought back into use for all the people of Manchester. Jacqueline Marston, Treasurer
Silent issue of lonely men
THE Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness recently revealed that millions of men in the UK (young and old) are experiencing loneliness, many of who suffer in silence.
These are stark findings, but given the stigma attached to loneliness it’s likely there are many more men who are yet to voice their feelings.
The study also highlights the vulnerability of older men to loneliness, with a quarter of men aged 65-69 who have been lonely saying retirement had been a trigger and 18 per cent, the death of their spouse or partner.
We have long been providing support within local communities to help older men stay socially active. Whether it’s learning a new skill, practicing an old one or just keeping fit and talking, there are activities and groups run across the country to suit all tastes.
However, many men may be reluctant to accept they need support. And so for the next month, the Commission, which is spearheaded by Seema Kennedy (Cons) and Rachel Reeves (Lab), will be putting male loneliness in the spotlight.
Under the slogan, Start A Conversation, the Commission (of which we are one of 13 partners), want to mobilise the public to help themselves and others around them and educate people on how they can become part of the solution.
From starting your own men’s activity, finding a group to join, offering to accompany a male friend, relative or neighbour to an activity or simply by making time to chat to those around you – we can all support each other and work together to tackle loneliness.
Visit www.royalvoluntaryservice. org.uk and www.jocoxloneliness.org for more information.