MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

It is with great regret that I have to tell
you that the Liberty and Livelihood March
has been deferred for at least two months,
and the bonfires on the evening of 12 March
have been cancelled.

The current foot and mouth outbreak is very
serious. It involves not just the farmers
themselves, but the entire rural community.
The vast majority of those planning to come
to London have their livelihoods threatened
by this disease, and it is only right that
they should stay at home in their communities
to deal with the problem. It is sad that
at a time when Westminster really needs to
see the force of rural anger and frustration,
the reality of events make that impossible.

But this is only a deferment, nobody in
Westminster or Whitehall should think for
a moment that the pressure is off. We
need them to address the real problems
of rural Britain - to provide us with hope
for a viable future with genuine livelihood,
and not a succession of repressive acts
that are designed to do things to the
countryside rather than for it.

Registrations for the March will continue
- the lines will remain open - and the team
remains in place for the time being to set
up arrangements for its re-scheduling.

More information will be issued over the
coming days by the Alliance to provide
support, information, and access to advice
on the foot and mouth disease crisis.
In the meantime, stay close to your
community, and do not hesitate to offer
help and support wherever it is asked
for or needed.

Richard


Richard Burge
Chief Executive Countryside Alliance