Jeremy Hunt said fox hunting is ‘part of our heritage’ – the 11 best reactions
With a sort of twisted nominative determinism, Jeremy Hunt made an announcement that he could open the door for a return to hunting with hounds if he were to become PM. He told the Telegraph
“We have to recognise that in terms of the balance of the countryside. You know, it’s part of our heritage.”
The Hunting Act (2004) bans the use of dogs in the pursuit of wild animals – in most circumstances – throughout England and Wales, but is an issue that divides the Conservative Party, and we all know how well things go when British Prime Ministers bend over backwards to unite the Tories.
Jeremy Hunt has told the Telegraph foxhunting should be made legal again because it is "part of the countryside".
— Sam Coates Sky (@SamCoatesSky) July 3, 2019
The news went down like Jeremy Corbyn at a 1922 Committee champagne breakfast.
1.
My first act as Prime Minister will be to have a free vote on bringing back slavery, because it's “part of our heritage”.#foxhunting #keeptheban
— Not Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson_MP) July 4, 2019
2.
Oh great, cool, let's debate fox hunting again. Fucking Christ.
— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) July 4, 2019
3.
"bloodsport is our ‘heritage’"
Oh, *heritage*. That's fine, then. In that case, let's bring back bear-baiting, cock fighting and duelling. https://t.co/ENezmlWqda #keeptheban— Richard Littler (@richard_littler) July 4, 2019
4.
Another Tory MP texts:
“How the f**k is fox hunting a priority right now!?!? By the weekend Hunt will have announced an urgent vote on other highly pressing issues like moving the chart show back to Sunday afternoons.”
— Alex Wickham (@alexwickham) July 3, 2019
5.
The only sort of Fox Hunting I'd want to see #keeptheban pic.twitter.com/nRd63tHnmA
— HappyToast ★ (@IamHappyToast) July 4, 2019
6.
I hope this is another shot in the foot moment as it was with Theresa May. It shows just how out of touch these desperate people are..shocking : Jeremy Hunt wants to bring back fox hunting as part of countryside’s “heritage” https://t.co/3Y0liMw9l1
— Peter Egan (@PeterEgan6) July 4, 2019
7.
"Fox hunting? Phwoar. I'm all for it. I've hunted a few foxes in my time! Tremendous sport. Don't tell the wife. Or the mistress. Any of the mistresses. And don't call the Police. Are you recording this? Thanks. Bye." pic.twitter.com/34yUolI6Be
— The Poke (@ThePoke) July 4, 2019
8.
Jeremy Hunt says that fox hunting is part of our heritage. What's next? The workhouse? Witch burning? #keeptheban
— Edwin Hayward🦄🗡️ (@uk_domain_names) July 4, 2019
However, during an interview with Mishal Husain on Radio 4’s Today Programme, he appeared to rein in his plans, whilst refusing to say whether he believes the practice to be cruel.
9.
"Fox hunting is an activity in which wild animals are chased to the point of exhaustion and set upon by dogs for sport. Is this cruel?"
For anyone with a shred of empathy, the answer is obvious.
With regards Jeremy Hunt however, this doesn't apply.pic.twitter.com/OsO2DBfXNa
— Graham Lithgow (@grahamlithgow) July 4, 2019
“that is not something that is going to change.”
10.
Ooh – here’s an unusual situation, a government minister has made a U Turn –
Jeremy Hunt has carried out a humiliating U-turn just hours after pledging to bring back fox hunting, saying: "This is not something I… https://t.co/YBZBdt3h6v
— Vincent Shambrook (@vinceshambrook) July 4, 2019
11.
Jeremy thought he could avoid the questions pelting at him, but he's been outfoxed! 🦊 #r4todayhttps://t.co/Ywj9nAPiV7
— The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) July 4, 2019
Twitter user General Boles saw his original statement as part of an ongoing escalation, and speculated on where it might lead.
Boris – Scrap sugar tax
Hunt – Bring back fox hunting
Boris – Free lawnmowers for >65s
Hunt – Free lawns for >65s
Boris – Royal yacht
Hunt – Royal space shuttle
Boris – Hanging
Hunt – Conscription
Boris – Hang conscripts
Hunt – Transportation— General Boles (@GeneralBoles) July 3, 2019
Don’t give them ideas, General; they’re bad enough as it is.
H/T: Indy100