Countryside Alliance - love the countryside

Kate Hoey MP will become Chairman of the Countryside Alliance in succession to John Jackson. Lord Mancroft will become deputy Chairman. They will take up these positions in the autumn.

Kate Hoey said: ”The Alliance’s campaigns for the sustainability of the countryside have had a significant impact on the political landscape. It is a great honour, and a great challenge, to take on this role at such an important time for the countryside.

“There should be no difference between the way a government treats people in town or country. Rural issues, just like urban ssues, are about basic rights. Rural people have the right to equality of health care, education and service provision; the right to decent, affordable housing; the right for their businesses to diversify develop and compete with those in urban areas and abroad; the right to engage in country sports and other activities without prejudiced legislative assault.

“A true democracy respects the rights of all minorities, and I look forward to contributing to the Alliance’s campaign to ensure that the rural minority is treated with tolerance, fairness and respect”.

Ends…

Notes to the Editor -

· This announcement will be made formally at the CLA Game Fair at Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire at a press briefing at the Countryside Alliance stand C274 at 3pm on Friday 22nd July. Miss Hoey will be at this briefing, as will Chief Executive Simon Hart and outgoing Chairman, John Jackson.

· The Countryside Alliance was formed in 1997 and has rapidly become the UK’s leading rural campaigning organisation. It has 105,000 members, a regional structure in England and Wales and devolved operations in Scotland and Ireland.