The Countryside Alliance has launched a petition, in a long-running campaign, to get Chris Packham removed from the BBC because of his anti -Hunting beliefs. 

This petition is to show support for Chris Packham, and to encourage the BBC not to be bullied by pro-hunting groups such as the Countryside Alliance who wish to continue unopposed in all public arenas.

This particular complaint centers around the Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA) recent and very successful action against the Grouse shooting in the peak district. Chris Packham tweeted a link to the HSA press report

“Oh dear, what a shame, next . . . More top work by @HuntSabs”.

Hardly offensive to anyone unless you like shooting birds for fun.

The Countryside Alliance is claiming that this breaches the BBC's impartiality rules and supports illegal activity, particularly citing aggravated trespass as a criminal offence.  This is despite the police being present, no such charges or arrests being made, and the incident in question taking place on open access land.

The truth is that the Countryside Alliance cannot stand that such a public figure, and knowledgeable naturalist, as Chris Packham supports the work of the Hunt Saboteurs Association in opposing bloodsports in all its forms, as do the majority of the public as is shown time and again in public opinion surveys.

Chris has also been the target of terrorist attacks by hunting supporters, hanging dead animals on his gate, and setting fire to a car outside his house, a tactic the Countryside Alliance keeps quiet about.

Please support the petition to encourage the BBC not to be bullied and prevent Chris Packham from being forced to choose between his freedom of speech or his work at the BBC.