Pro-hunting lobbyists are eyeing up spots on the National Trust Council ahead of the Trust’s AGM in November, with voting now open.
Hunting lobby group the Countryside Alliance has encouraged its members to back a list of 5 candidates, with overturning the ban of so-called ‘trail hunting’ on National Trust land in their sights.
These candidates are:
Other pro-hunt political figures are also backing:
Voting is now open. National Trust members are able to vote online here or by post for up to 5 candidates of your choosing between now and 23.59 on Friday 3rd November. If you are a National Trust member – please use your vote wisely. If you are not a member, spread the word to others who are!
5 successful candidates will join the Council, which meets three times a year to debate key strategic issues and advise the Board of Trustees.
The Countryside Alliance isn’t the only pro-hunt organisation with interest in this election. Pro-hunt political figures Nigel Farage and Jacob Rees-Mogg have been fronting a group called ‘Restore National Trust’ which has become vocal online.
They intend to turn back the clock on what they see as a ‘woke’ and ‘political’ National Trust, moving away from work on social inclusion, and also likely the ban on hunts using National Trust land. Their list of preferred candidates includes Lords, Ladies, ex-political commentators and a funder to the Conservative Party – a bizarre slate from a group calling for the ‘depoliticisation’ of the National Trust.
Hunting and the National Trust
In October 2021, National Trust members overwhelmingly voted to end ‘trail hunting’ on National Trust land in light of the leaked Hunting Office webinars which highlighted ‘trail hunting’ as a smokescreen for more conventional (illegal) hunting. The Board of Trustees then took the decision to no longer issue licences for ‘trail hunting’ or hound exercising on National Trust land.
Hunts that previously met on National Trust land include the notorious Avon Vale Hunt, which held Boxing Day meets in the National Trust village of Lacock in Wiltshire, which led to violent scenes as hunt supporters attacked demonstrators in 2021. Earlier this year the HSA released damning self-recorded footage from the hunt, which showed them throwing 2 foxes to hounds. This has since led to the conviction of two leading members of the hunt and another on trial this coming Winter.
What can you do?
National Trust members are able to vote online here or by post between now and 23.59 on Friday 3rd November. If you are not a member, spread the word to others who are.
You can vote for up to 5 candidates.
Remember, the candidates backed by pro-hunting lobbyists are the following:
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