Countryside Alliance: Hoey new Alliance Chairman

Friday, 22, Jul 2005 12:00

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.

Miss Hoey, Labour MP for Vauxhall since 1989, was brought up in rural Northern Ireland and has a long interest in rural and environmental issues. Lord Mancroft is a Conservative peer who has served on the board of the Countryside Alliance since 1997. Labour peer Baroness Mallalieu remains President of the Alliance.

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."