Re: Martin Salter's comments in Angling Times Martin Salter MP has read my open letter in full. He could not validly criticise it's content if he hadn't or am I wrong? The views I express are my own. They will not be universally popular but they are heartfelt, hard learned after many years at the coalface of angling education and conservation and I will apologise to no one for them. I respect Mr Salter as I would any angler but can we really trust or sensibly expect any MP to possibly sacrifice his or her political future and rigorously champion our cause when the chips are down and the whips are hounding them for their party allegiance. None of us who express a view should ever feel threatened by valid and fair scrutiny. NUBA will rightly demand clarity from its present or future leader whoever that may be (nominations welcome) and from relevant MPs, and all bodies responsible for running our sport. Sorry, I for one am hopefully NUBA members en mass will not be bullied or intimidated. Every NUBA member will be asked for his or her opinion prior to launch. My own opinions and views are no more or less valid than any other angler's Martin's included. Let's hear what you want. If that is for me to shut up so be it. That would not in any way lessen the need or reason for NUBA. Join us and you will at least have your say as an individual as to how angling should be run. You may even be ensuring it's future. Members or non-members please phone me, on 0208 640 5036 after 7.30am or 11.00pm I will happily accept your support or you criticism if sensibly offered.
Alan Suttie |
