Written question asked by Lord Mason of Barnsley (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2006.

Fishing

Question: What assistance is being given to the Countryside Alliance and similar organisations such as fishery owners to create a network of defences against the activities of anti-angling activists.

Answer: The Environment Agency is responsible for promoting angling and its environmental, economic and social benefits. The issue of anti-angling activists is a matter of civil breach of the peace and is therefore a matter for the police. I am unable to comment on any prosecutions. While the Government support a person's right to legitimate, peaceful protest, people also have a right to be free to carry out their lawful business or recreation without fear of intimidation and violence, however much that activity is disliked by others. What is totally unacceptable are the campaigns of intimidation and violence against individuals and law-abiding businesses by animal rights extremists. The Government have in place a cross-departmental strategy to eradicate the threat of animal rights extremism. We are ensuring that sufficient attention is paid to the threat from animal rights extremists, whoever the target, and that law enforcement agencies continue to be effective in maintaining the necessary spotlight on the issues. Police forces treat all incidents related to animal rights extremism very seriously, including activity targeting recreational angling. The police will continue to monitor campaigns and respond accordingly to any increase in unlawful incidents. My colleagues from the Home Office are also meeting with representatives of the angling community to discuss anti-angling activities.

Secondary information