Livingstone: 'Cancel countryside march'

Thousands took part in the last march in London

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has called on the Countryside Alliance to cancel next month's march through central London because of the risk of bringing foot-and-mouth disease into the capital.

I think it would be quite irresponsible for the Countryside Alliance to proceed with its demonstration

Ken Livingstone

Organisers of the march, which will include supporters of fox hunting and other countryside issues, have said the planned protest on 18 March could attract 300,000 people.

During a similar demonstration last year, many farmers brought animals into London to highlight what they see as government neglect of rural areas.

In a letter to Countryside Alliance chief executive Richard Burge, the mayor, who is anti-fox hunting, said the risk of cross-contamination was not in the interests of either London or the countryside.

He added: "I think it would be quite irresponsible for the Countryside Alliance to proceed with its demonstration."

Letter to police

Mr Livingstone also wrote to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens shortly before the government announced a ban on all livestock movements for at least a week.

Ken Livingstone: Anti-hunting

He said he was worried that a large gathering of people from farmland could contribute to the spread of the disease.

His letter said: "I am concerned not only that the disease could be brought to central London in this way, potentially affecting animals on city farms or at the zoo, but also that cross-contamination could lead to its transmission all over the country.

Transmitted by people

"Previous Countryside Alliance demonstrations have involved bringing livestock into London. Would you confirm whether this again would be the case, as any such proposals for this march would heighten my concerns.

"There would, however, still be a risk even if no livestock were brought to the march, as the disease can be transmitted by people, clothing and equipment which have been in contact with infected animals.

"While in no way wishing to curtail the freedom of people to take part in demonstrations, I feel I must question whether such a gathering is advisable in these circumstances."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said its officers were in contact with the Countryside Alliance and they had been assured that proper steps would be taken in accordance with advice from the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Farmers Union.

I'm confident rural people will act responsibly.

Nigel Henson

The Countryside Alliance said it had not been advised to cancel the march.

But spokesman Nigel Henson said: "This is a position which we will be reviewing constantly with advice from all the proper authorities."

He called on would-be protesters to observe any movement restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

"It is a very serious outbreak and we will be urging all those who are planning to come on the march, if they are affected by the recommendations and restrictions, then they ought to observe them, Mr Henson.

"At this stage there's no reason to think that it will affect the whole march.

"Depending on the situation in two or three weeks' time, it could affect a comparatively small number of people from affected areas who were hoping to come, but I'm confident rural people will act responsibly."

Shortly before last year's mayoral election Mr Livingstone introduced a private member's bill to ban hunting with hounds, but it failed to make it through the Commons.