LIKE many landowners and country folk, I am appalled by the decision of the biased House of Commons to ban foxhunting.

They certainly did not listen to the rational arguments, the clear evidence of the Government's own inquiry into hunting with dogs; namely the Burns Enquiry, or the preferred wish of the Prime Minister.

Those who oppose hunting are entitled to their viewpoint and should be respected but it is important that any minority interests are protected in our so-called free society.

Since 1997, when the debate about hunting with dogs first started, I wrote several letters to various members of Parliament known to be opposed to hunting, stating that this issue should be a question of persuasion rather than legislation and that a minority interest, however distasteful to some, must be preserved.

My direct questions were never answered. On each occasion I was told the matter would be debated in the house; knowing full well that was likely to result in an eventual ban.

Bad law is unjust and while I do not condone anyone, including myself, breaking the law, the Countryside Alliance, and at least three massively attended rallies in London, two of which I attended, have failed by peaceful means to get an acceptable compromise.

It is hardly surprising, therefore, that unlawful action may follow and I fear that yet again the rural countryside will have to bear the price of an uncaring government which appears to ignore good reason, wanting only to divert the attention of back bench members of their own party from other more important issues such as the Iraq war.

The House of Commons should think again before it is too late, and listen more closely to the sound advice from the Upper House. Our freedom to chose is slowly being eroded by a dictatorial government!

Hugh Thompson,

Brimfield,

Nr Ludlow.