The Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA) have posted a video on their Youtube site which makes for some very disturbing watching. The footage is apparently from online Zoom webinars held by senior members of the foxhunting community some of whom are retired police officers. We are not going to comment on the specifics of the posted video as it is almost certain that the police forces who have jurisdiction will want to see the original video or videos as part of their investigation. Clearly there has to be a rigorous investigation into what HSA are suggesting is a nationwide conspiracy. Clearly it has to be a linked inquiry between the relevant forces and has to be undertaken by a suitably senior, qualified and resourced detective.

Allegations of this sort cannot be left to lie. That is unfair to both the accusers and the accused, who may of course be perfectly innocent. Most importantly the public need to have confidence in the police service in the UK and to be assured that they operate without fear or favour.