So the Labour party/government have decided to ban all hunting with dogs, and are quite prepared to push new laws through parliment. so is the writing on the wall, is this the first nail in the lid for fishing? we shall have to wait and see, but for how long should we wait, surely now is the time to join together all the sides of our sport and start getting ready to fight for our survival. We should be buying our own waters, and lobbying our MP's before it is too late, or maybe that time has already come.

IT WAS SAID TIME AGO AND MANY TIMES BUT YOU KNOW YOU ELECTED THEM THIS IS NEW LABOUR THEY SAID, DIDNT ANYONE TAKE ANY NOTICE CHRIST THEY HAVE JUST PROVED IT WITH OUR SO CALLED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND I MAY BE WRONG BUT ENVIRAMENT MINISTER ASWELL CHRIST SAKE WE PUT THESE PEOPLE IN POWER AND THEY LIE THEN TRY AND DO SOMETHING LIKE BAN FOX HUNTING TO TAKE THE HEAT OF THAT TWAT BIERS, I MEAN THESE POEPLE ARE RUNNING OUR COUNTRY ITS RIDICULOUSE WHAT I FIND THE FUNNIEST IS THAT THEY CALL THERE SELF THE POEPLE PARTY HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I WOULDNT GIVE THEM A KNEE SUPPORT LET ALONE MY UNWAVERING SUPPORT.

Rocket boy

Nicely put I didn't vote for the left wing communie running dog labour tossers either.
But enough dumb ducks did(sorry about the spelling don't want to be censored)
Now the townie mentallity of duck the countryside it smells and things get killed "ough look away mumsie that big bird has got a rabbit in its mouths" coming through, they ducked up handling foot and mouth now political activits with loads of money and big mouths are ducking up some forms of hunting.

Why cannot they leave things they don't understand and get on with what they are good at, stealth taxs, spin, etc.

In answer to the Orginal Question Yes angling will be next

I firmly believe that the countryside alliance has used the angling fraternity to stop its own barbaric sport being banned. And it has failed!

The facts are that fox hunting is cruel. Fishing is not.

Fox hunting has hardly any followers... .fishing is the biggest participation sport in the world.

Fox hunters like to make out that fishing is next and a few "gullible" anglers will fall for it but its a load of rubbish.

I was watching tight lines on sky the other day and the head of the NFA was on there and he said there was NO WAY the government would ban fishing and in fact they were actually putting money into getting young people into fishing. So there you go.

I dont care what anyone says... I will never agree with hunting. And before anyone says... oi towney you dont know what you are talking about.

I live in the countryside, my in-laws are all farmers, my wife and her family have hunted since they were kids and I have heard ALL their answers as to why its not cruel... and they are all rubbish.

Certainly agree that Labour are an absolute joke.
I have no doubt that Tony Blair will go down in history as one of the most pathetic Prime Ministers that this country has ever produced.
If supporting Hunting got Labour a few more votes at the next election you would see the quickest U-turn possible on their policy.

Fishing is the sort of thing that this or any government should support, and encourage youngsters to try it.
Perhaps if some of the mindless louts hanging around on street corners making a damned nuisance of themselves tried fishing, they may just change for the better.
Show them a bit of nature, show them how to respect nature and their surroundings and they might just start showing respect to the human race

Miller.

Yoda...If hunting with dogs is banned within the UK it will be a Parliamentary
decision,not the Labour Party/Governments. Its called a Democracy.

Very true Miasma.
But Labour have a big majority in the current parliament, and the Labour Whips will make sure that their members vote how they want them to.
I remember not so long ago when labour members who either abstained or voted against the government were hauled before Tony Blair for a dressing down. They voted with the government at the next vote.
Doesn't sound quite so democratic then, does it.

Miller.

Miller....it does when its a free vote...

Miasma it may well be a parliamentary decision. However this should not be confused in any way with the concept of democracy.
The current administration was elected on a first past the post system which means that though they won vastly more people voted against them than for them in reality.
Equally the turnout at the last election was the lowest ever, only a fraction of those allowed to vote did so this measn that despite a large patliamentary majority the present government does not have a strong mandate from the people it purports to represent.

The late Lord Hailsham's summing up of our system of government as an "Elective Dictatorship" has never rung truer than it does now.

Though I am not a supporter of fox hunting I am also not stupid enough to belive that as an angler I am regarded as in any way morally superior than someone who does support hunting by the antis.

In the eyes of the antis, anglers are regaded as scum in just the same way as are the hunters, do not for one moment belive that you are seen as any different, they hate you just as much and as soon as the hunting issue is dealt with they will come afer you.

As Jim Royal would say......

Free Vote my AR*E!!!

I bet you believe in fairies....

Miller.

Alan...you agree that it will be a Parliamentary decision,that is all I said.....
....why the tirade?

The rest of the message was necessary because you seemed to have mistaken a parliamentary decison for democracy and litle could be further from the truth..

miller....so that fact that some Labour members voted against the Bill whilst some
Conservative members voted for it does not convince you then?

Proportional representation then?...I sense no popular groundswell for that.
If we dont live in a Democracy then what is it and whats your alternative?

True and a good point.
I suppose i'm second guessing what will happen with the Bill this time....time will tell.
But i personally don't feel as though we live in a democracy. Just look at the way Labour has arranged the House of Lords to suit its own purposes.

My posts were to highlight my distrust of the way politics now seems to work in this country, not to attack your opinion.
I hope they came across as such.

Miller.

miller...fear not mate,feel free to voice your views on Politics....this is a free
country.....isn't it??

miller does it upset you that a huge tory majorty in the house of lords has been made more representative?
machiavelli when writing made a few enlightening statements.
" a prince has to be sly like the fox and strong like the lion"
and
"nothing brings a prince greater prestige than waging glourious campaigns"
labour are so bad!!! high interest rates etc etc
al politicians are slimeballs whatever party they r form. the problem with british politics is that the party comes first

Gentlemen,you've all missed the point.Look at new labour on a wider scale-anything remotely "British" is in danger under these weasels.Oh and angling WILL be next-the great unwashed will always need something to campaign against (cnd,poll tax,fox hunting)We live in a world were political correctness has gone mad and the banning of hunting with dogs is a part of this,we must look at things on a wider scale.www.bnp.org.uk/

Jesus!

I am on the wrong website... now people are trying to associate the BNP with fishing!!

So we have a bunch of fox hunters with a complete racist thrown in for good measure! LOL!!! Brilliant...

Cant wait to see where this goes!

See the truth guys!! www.completeandutterbollocks.com

If this all comes down to being democratic, how come the powers that be have said that they will "push the bill through if need be" doesn't sound very democratic to me.

Yoda....Seems like you would prefer an unelected body of Peers and Bishops to overturn
a decision taken by elected representatives.....

We can't find "www.completeandutterbollocks.com - lol.

No not at all Miasma, surely if you have a democratic vote you then use the results of that vote as they stand, not have a vote and if it goes the wrong way ignore it and do what you want anyway, where's the democracy in that?

Yoda....if the vote in Parliament is for retention of Hunting with dogs there will be
no question of "pushing it through" as no Bill will be forthcoming.

Make no mistake guys,if that clown Blair thought there were a few extra votes in banning fishing,he would do it tomorrow without any shadow of a doubt,unfortunatly for the antis,as said in a earlier post,angling is the most participated sport in the world,and yes even anglers have a vote,so it just wouldnt happen,but there is a nasty minority of braindead hippies out there who are capable of stirring up a bit of storm in a teacup,and we have to be prepared and together,to combat this.And yes we are losing our national identities under this leftie government,and no i didnt put them there.

Personally i reckon hunting with shotguns will come next perhaps via the backdoor as an extension to the existing gun laws.
Sure angling is on the anti list of cabinet trophy scalps and it`s upto us to ensure that any goverment present or future that allows this to be put before Parliament to be harrassed by fair means or foul.

thomas hobbes said
" the people need a great leviathan to keep them in their place"
there are leaders and there are the led.
most of u ait got a clue about politics and are brainwashed by the british press created disease which is to "moan about everything"
thats why im getting out to create a carpers paradise in thailand.
u lot can all stay here moaning in the cold where as ill be in the warm surrounded by people who just get on with it.
there u go .
maisma is the only one that has talked anything sensible on here.
fishing first politics second hahaha lets argue

on another note if the government banned hunting dogs what would youlot do when you were pissed up and out on the prowl?

I think that any polition no matter which party would have to be exteremly stupid to consider the banning of fishing.I believe that there are nearly 4 million anglers in britain and countless people involved in the fishing industry, these would make any political party think twice simply because they would not get elected on this basis and after all the only time the politicians come out to play is when they want your vote.I also believe that todays politians are only in it for themselves and as posted earlier i think its a joke for labour to be called the peoples party.

Of course the writing is'nt on the wall!!! Instead of slagging off and making silly little comments about OUR goverment, that WE elected into power, we should be seeking to gain their support! To get them on our side is the only option open to us - in my humble opinion, of course!

It often makes me laugh - many of those who slag off whatever party is in power do not vote themselves. Not pointing any finger here you understand, but if the cap fits???

Anyone who believes that fishing is not under threat is only looking at the short-term view.
I often hear the quote “Too many people go fishing so they wouldn’t dare try to ban it”.
I bet that’s what people who hunted 100 years ago also said.

Fishing might not be under a great threat now; at the moment hunting & shooting are acting as buffers between the Anti’s and fishing.
Once they go – and shooting will be next on the Anti agenda, fishing will become the main focus of the Anti Brigade.
We have all heard of PETA, but three years ago they were unknown, that’s how powerful the Anti’s are.
I bet a large percentage of the general public have heard of PETA but how many could name even one pro-fishing organisation?
If hunting and shooting get banned will they all pack up their banners and go home?
No, they will just move on to the next target - fishing.

It probably won’t affect me in my lifetime, but what about my son, his children and their children’s children?
We should all take a stand now, because as sure as eggs are eggs fishing is on the Anti’s hit list.
They do not think in terms of weeks, months or even years, they think and plan for tens of years.

It should also be remembered that within these Anti organisations, there are quite a lot of people who have well-paid, cushy jobs. They are not going to calmly walk away and get a proper job. It is in their interest to find a cause, keep the money rolling and keep the gravy train chugging along.

As for politicians – if Blair thought that banning goldfish would get him elected again he would come out in favour of a ban. Anyone with half a brain knows that politicians only think about themselves first, second and last.
Being in power is everything, lying, cheating, broken promises, anything to get voted in. Would you buy a car off one?

Fishermen, regardless of whether they are for, against or don’t care about hunting should look at the bigger picture and for that reason alone fishermen should be against a ban on hunting.

Iminitsacrp

I do not vote (i used to ) because all MPs are a bunch of nonces and only in it for the glory.

All anti fieldsports which includes fishing will be banned if the politically correct tw+ts get their way.

The Waterloo cup was on this week and I had to work.

I have been Foxhunting, Minkhunting, Hare coursing, Fishing for food, Rabbiting, ect,ect, and I kill things for a living and I live in a major city and i know for certain people understand fishing only slightly more than these other country sports.

How many times when you say you go carp fishing do people say things like "did you take it home" "did you eat it" "do you throw them back" ect ect.

dont start me on this one.

Bruce

Exactly.

Can I really believe what I'm reading here? People are complaining that the government are being undemocratic in pushing through the hunting bill? The majority of British people want hunting banned. The only undemocratic thing the Labour government has been guilty of is of not pressing harder for the bill in the past, and letting a few old, unelected duffers in the House of Lords obstruct it.

The worst thing about this government is that they are far too right wing, and acting too similarly to the inept, corrupt Tories who we thankfully got rid of, hopefully for all time. It seems that all those Tories who complain about Blair seem conveniently to have forgotten how much they pathetically hero worshipped a barking mad, demented, power crazed despot by the name of Thatcher.

"I often hear the quote “Too many people go fishing so they wouldn’t dare try to ban it”.
I bet that’s what people who hunted 100 years ago also said."

People who hunted 100 years ago almost certainly didn't say that, because they were so arrogant that the thought that they couldn't go on sponging off the working classes into all eternity, wouldn't have crossed their bone idle minds for a second.

tony you've not got a spare terrier for sale have you mate

tony,you've not got a spare terrier for sale mate im desperate

Markoncarp. Obviously way over your head mate,before you go calling people complete racists spend a little bit of time to try and understand what they're trying to say-otherwize shut up.

I agree with the large majority of posts supporting a ban on hunting with dogs....this has always been about status and privelidge and NOTHING but a social gathering for fools and crass idiots...

However....how anybody can relate this and current parliamentary debate on the ban with the f****** BNP is beyond me.

If commercial links are not allowed then how come people are allowed to add links to FASCIST PSEUDO POLITICAL SCUM like the BNP?

Please FW administrators I'd like to know?

And you can edit this post all you like because I won't be posting again.

in closing then...up yours BNP....Vive La Republique!!

Peter Sharpe
“People who hunted 100 years ago almost certainly didn't say that, because they were so arrogant that the thought that they couldn't go on sponging off the working classes into all eternity, wouldn't have crossed their bone idle minds for a second.”

From what you write it seems obvious that you’ve missed the point that I was trying to make.
It appears to me from your tone that you have a problem with the people who hunt, no doubt believing that they are all idle rich bastards.
Well that may well be the case, the point I am trying to make is that like them or hate them they are at the sharp end of the Anti’s assault on all country sports and if they go down then fishing moves up one step on the Anti’s list.

For the record I am not a hunt supporter and have never even been to a hunt.

See ya then jase-back to your "republique"........

Wanderer
If only i still had my terriers and lurchers we had some good times together. The last terrier I had was a little black patterdale, cracker little bitch she was, but living in Liverpool does have its drawbacks, someone nicked her!!
No time to keep or work dogs anymore due to fishing and work and police (too many to mention). not good for my company image if I get collared all the time doing things I should'nt and going places I should'nt He He.

Harry may

support Millwall then?

Jason.

I'm sorry that you find the non-live link offensive.

We are not in the position to be judge and jury to anyone's political beliefs here, as we are a fishing website and the fact that this has arisen is based on an original thread which has gone down the path of politics.

I will however, state that any member who has a political opinion is posting as they as individuals see fit, and FW is in no way responsible for such, or indeed by allowing this freedom of speech, is implied to have agreed/disagreed with such.

Blatent political views in a form of which would upset the nature and rules (spamming) of this site would be of course removed immediately, no matter what political aspirations said member adheres to.

As it stands I hope you will realise and understand that in context, this is just simply one individual members view, which is not representative of anything but.

Regards

Axe

The NWO and joe public is a moron that thinks everything is made 'as is' in cellophane packets is all I'm saying

I agree with filthy on this, and sometimes it can come as a surprise how close to home this attitude can be. A few years back we had a short holiday with my wifes mother. For the duration of the holiday, I would get up at first light and do a spot of fishing off the harbour wall. My catch would be cleaned, and washed at the waters edge, and be under the grill for my breakfast within the hour. Now for my way of thinking, that constitutes a proper breakfast, my wife and mother in law said It was disgusting. They also appear to think that, fish comes shrink wrapped from Tescos. I think many people would have a quick change of oppinion on Foxes, if their livelyhood rested upon getting as many lambs to market as possible. Oh yes but I forgot, Lamb is only lamb if it comes shrink wrapped.

Tony the rat man-ooh that hurt!! "long live the terrace dandies" from what i've seen they're all badly dressed gypsies in Bermonsey!! WEST HAM UTD mate..........Axeman-makes a refreshing change to come across a moderator with your sort of common sense outlook.
regards HM

Yep they're at it again. If they devoted as much time as has been given to fox hunting to important issues such as crime or immigration we'd be a lot better off. But I suppose everyone being frightened on the streets or those lovely hard-working honest immigrants who are so anxious to get in to work hard they'll cut train brake lines, switch signals and burn down their lodging we give 'em is not important enough to warrant anything being done. It's the same old story being re-played again and again. Leave the tricky stuff alone it's too hot - but fox hunting - well we all have an opinion on that one don't we! And when that one's done we can expect them to get onto us - as another diversion from real life issues.

I agree Hatter there are far more important things than hunting with dogs the government should be focussing on - things that affect everyone's life, such as the NHS, education, the appalling road network and public transport.

Fox hunting does not touch my life, or indeed the vast majority of the populations lives, so I am indifferent towards it, although I feel sympathy for the hundreds of people/families who will lose their means of earning a living if it is banned.

And the people who will vote to ban it will continue to pick up their piece of packaged, sanitised, animal meat in the supermarket - and think nothing of it....

Paul,

That is without a doubt the best thing you've ever written
Perhaps you should consider a newspaper column instead of your usual outlets for your work.

I recently read something where Mr Blair was compared to a lighthouse. His light shines out and highlights a problem. All his efforts are concentrated oh this and all the other issues get ignored. Then his light highlights another problem and the first one is promptly forgotten about, etc etc.

Think back to the floods of yesteryear. Lots of promises, no concrete action.
Then F&M, lots of promises but still monkey meat is coming in by the truck load.

NOTHING ever gets done.

Miller.

Well It's funny how this thread has taken such a sideways direction, this was quite unexpected.

(the point I am trying to make is that like them or hate them they are at the sharp end of the Anti’s assault on all country sports and if they go down then fishing moves up one step on the Anti’s list.)
Couldnt agree more Bruce!Like it or not, but this is a reality and if were not on our guard,we will sooner or later come into the big picture.

Why so surprised Yoda?..The political overtones in your opening post were transparent..

Yoda, in your original post you ask several mildly interesting questions, which you paraphrase under the title "Is the writing on the wall?". Well in answer Yoda, I'm happy to say no it isn't.

very smart, juggler...

why don't you leave the poor bloke alone and go back to what you do best - nicking fish.

I think you will find that is very hard to make a post about the government without it having a political slant, transparent or otherwise.

As the Juggler and The Doctor appear to have the same IP address, I sense a wind-up here...so the comment by The Doctor stays...

1) Unless you're vegetarian or are prepared to slaughter your own sheep down the bottom of your garden you can't be against fox hunting - come off it.

2) Anglers should align with the fox hunters to protect their sport regardless - I thought the idea was to decide on your morals and adopt your position, not the other way round. Go and run for parliament.

3) Anyone who blames the current government for poor transport / public services is deluding themselves. The public sector in this country has been run down for decades. In the 70's Labour tried to spend / borrow their way out, resulting in a pathetically weak incomes policy which lead to them getting shafted by the Unions (Plus inflation at around 25%) Thatcher washed her hands of it - lets privatise everything, then it's not our fault. You are not going to get dramatic improvement without dramatic measures and no party will stomach massive tax increases !!!!!!!! And no I didn't vote for Tony Blair,

4) The Juggler genetically modified one of my goldfish to produce Benson. After that I'm not sure of it's history.

Harv (the original).