I WOULD like to take this opportunity to urge readers of the Evening Press to sign a national petition demanding a full, independent inquiry into the foot and mouth crisis that has wrought such terrible consequences throughout the country.
The petition is being supported by the Countryside Alliance, British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the National Farmers Union (NFU). The organisers are the Foot and Mouth Truth Campaign.
It seems that almost on a daily basis new details are emerging of just how badly the foot and mouth outbreak has been mishandled by the Government.
The Government's refusal to hold a comprehensive independent inquiry betrays an arrogance which has underpinned this entire fiasco, and has brought the countryside and British tourism to its knees.
To deny people a proper inquiry, and instead to offer three vague alternatives chaired by Government place-men, is nothing short of an insult.
By collecting as many names as possible this petition will deliver a clear message to the Government that people will not simply sit back and tolerate them brushing this fiasco under the carpet.
Petitions are available throughout the country, but if anyone has trouble getting access to one I would be happy to provide them with a copy if they can call 01653 648459.
Alternatively, e-mail r.goodwill@farmline.com
Robert Goodwill,
Conservative MEP (and farmer),
Yorkshire & The Humber,
Southwood Farm,
Terrington,
York.
Updated: 11:26 Monday, November 12, 2001
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