The Countryside Alliance has called for the establishment of a Rural Council - the message of the marchers to Government and Parliament was clear. But they also made it clear they expected their own organisations to create the same unity of purpose to find common ground and fight for the common cause.

The Rural Council would give the same sort of power and influence to the countryside as the TUC gives to the unions and the CBI to Business. The Alliance will not lead this Council. It would be an equal partner in its establishment and no more.

The Alliance has written to all the organisations that supported the March on Sunday 22 September. In consultation with them, we are seeking an independent and authoritative chairman who would create and lead a conference to establish the Council. We intend to hold the conference within forty days.