If you want an example of desperate, nasty vindictiveness, then look no further than this piece from the Countryside Alliance and Daily Mail, who have gone after Chief Inspector Lou Hubble (Head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit) for participating in the spoof rap video we posted here on Xmas Eve (see here).
The headline itself provides a wonderful insight in to the mind of a Daily Mail ‘journalist’ –
EXCLUSIVE – that’s because no other self-respecting newspaper would touch this ridiculous story
TOP FEMALE POLICE CHIEF – what’s her gender got to do with anything?
SPARKS FURY FROM COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE – an organisation that gets off on killing wildlife is ‘furious’ about a spoof rap video?
BY PERFORMING X-RATED RAP SONG – x-rated? Good grief
DRESSED AS TINIE TEMPAH – er, no, she was dressed as Police Supt Nick Lyall in an exaggerated spoof of his infamous red rapper coat
WITH AN ANTI-HUNT EXTREMIST – er, any evidence of this so called ‘anti hunt extremism’? Of course not.
BY HOUSE OF COMMONS – watch out, terror alert, there’s an ‘extremist’ dancing (badly) across the river from the Parliament building.
And if the headline hasn’t got you guffawing then the main article will….
‘A thick fake gold chain hanging around her neck with a large dollar sign on it completes the high-ranking officer’s unusual edgy, urban look‘
and
‘At one stage, the Chief Inspector holds her fingers in the air and then runs them down her face as she menacingly stares into the camera‘
and
‘She is also seen rubbing her fingers as if she is counting money before going on to spread her arms wide’
and
‘In another part, the officer and Dr Tingay hold up £10 notes as the words to the song go: ‘Trying to change a tenner to a hundred grand.’ They are then filmed tossing the notes away‘.
Seriously, this would be laughable if there wasn’t a more sinister motive behind this attack, and yes, we agree with Mark Avery that this is very clearly an attack.
It’s not about Lou Hubble featuring in a light hearted spoof video, with a load of partner organisations (including BASC, one of whose staff members was quite happy to don the red coat and bust some rap moves as a friendly way of showing support for Supt Nick Lyall). No, in our view this is about the Countryside Alliance exploiting an opportunity to try and undermine Lou Hubble’s integrity simply because she’s been working hard, along with Nick Lyall, to try and tackle the illegal killing of raptors by the game shooting industry.
Remember the attack on Nick Lyall’s integrity last year (see here)? Well this is exactly the same, just executed with more force.
This time, a formal complaint has been lodged about Lou and as a result she is now under formal investigation.
What utter bastards.
Lou Hubble has more integrity in her little fingernail than the Countryside Alliance could ever hope to achieve. She’s dedicated her career to tackling wildlife crime and has worked exceptionally hard since taking on the role of Head of the NWCU. Part of her responsibility has been to develop effective partnership-working with a whole range of organisations, as is demonstrated by this video, ironically. Attending the Game Fair last year as an invited guest on the BASC stand doesn’t mean she favours that organisation, just as appearing in this tribute video doesn’t indicate that she favours raptor conservationists. It’s pathetic to suggest otherwise.
Lou has approached her role with skill and patience and enthusiasm. As a result we now have a strong working relationship, better than we’ve ever had with any of her predecessors and particularly on the subject of satellite tagged raptors. Lou has put in hours and hours of work, much of it in her own time, to understand satellite tag data, how to interpret the data and comprehend what the data can and can’t tell us, and she’s subsequently facilitated extensive training for other police officers. She’s also put in to place a highly efficient protocol for investigating the suspicious disappearance of satellite-tagged raptors.
If you’d like to thank Lou for her efforts or would just simply like to show your support in the face of this vicious attack, please consider adding a comment to this blog. Her senior officers will be reading it.
UPDATE 3 February 2020: Daily Mail forced to apologise for publishing defamatory ‘extremist’ slur (here)
Raptor Persecution UK 
Well done lou and keep up the good work. In this era of increasing pressure on the environment and wildlife we now more than ever need the law to be upheld against law breakers who enjoy killing for pleasure
Lou Hubble and all the other participants have my full support & appreciation, to describe anyone taking part as extremist is just nonsense!
I actually find it pretty crass from a senior police officer and serious wonder what she was thinking of.
I’m sure here superiors will be calling into question her judgement.
I’m also sure that had this been the head of SNH dancing around with the Alex Hogg of SGA, then there would be something to be said from various individuals and groups and rightly so.
Her judgement about what? Participating in a harmless spoof video? If this is the best you can do, no wonder your grubby pastimes are soon to become obsolete.
So if this was Alex Hogg (SGA) in a similar video with Francesca Owsowska (SNH), you would think this was absolutely fine?
No comment, no opinion, nada??
Perfectly harmless tasteful fun?
The police officer is dancing to celebrate the achievement’s of colleague!
Please try again.
Lou Hubble and Nick Lyall have been brilliant in their focus on detecting and preventing wildlife crime, without fear or favour. All those who are apologists for wildlife crime have left is a vicious, unjustified personal attack. As the blog succinctly and eloquently puts it “utter bastards”
I would like to see Lou Hubble out of a job because no one is killing wildlife illegally. Until then, keep up the good work (but the dance moves need some improvements).
The dark side are like premier league strikers, they employ the tactic of tripping over blades of grass, falling to the floor clutching their shins and appealing desperately to the refs (in this case the general public) for a penalty. Faux outrage that is painfully transparent, staged by people who are desperate. Obviously the work being done is proving effective, to some extent. Keep it up.
Lou should be thanked and applauded for her very important work to protect our wonderful and irreplaceable wildlife. She should not be berated by CA.
I also fully support Lou Hubble and Nick Lyall. This reaction by the Countryside Alliance would tend to suggest they’re worried that the tide of public opinion is turning against them.
Keep up the good work putting pressure on those committing wildlife crimes especially estate owners who implicitly or explicitly encourage these crimes. Get scared Countryside Alliance!
I’d like to see all wildlife fully protected by law, but I don’t expect that to happen in my lifetime. As for grouse moors, I would love to see them turned into National Nature Reserves where ALL native species (and harmless “alien invaders”) are left as part of the ‘natural’ ecosystem. They could be designated “Special Protection Areas” (SPA). Sites management could be carefully instituted to conserve the semi-natural habitat, with a view forward to a more natural state. Or am I dreaming? I know the whole process could be difficult and expensive, especially in the start-up, and right now I know that getting Government involved might be complicated regarding costs and opposition involving the shooting fraternity. However, is it really necessary for grouse to be shot at all, in this modern age of awareness, especially when it generates such a level of criminality against protected wildlife, including the merciless slaughter of specially protected Hen Harriers and other birds of prey.
Lou and Nick you’re great. You have brought hope to all of us who love our precious wildlife of a brighter safer future for it. Don’t be cowed by bullies who’s tactics rely on intimidation and disinformation. We know who the real vermin are.
Stay on it ~ thanks for your integrity and determination. The future of our uplands is vital for the future of our nation and our world.
This is News! really scraping the barrel by the odious Countryside Areliars and their pals in the gutter press. Lou Hubble and Nick Lyall have been and hopefully will continue to be in the fight against wildlife crime, much of it perpetrated by the sorts of folk xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx and the game industry they support. Obvious that neither the writer and the CA have no sense of humour ( and probably no humanity either) a truly shocking and pointless attack of a police officer that deserves our full support.
The current Wildlife police team including Louise Hubble and Nick Lyall have started to turn the tide against years of neglect by UK Police on wildlife crime. They have made it clear there are no safe havens where wildlife crime can be perpetrated. They have fought against the misinformation, and deceit perpetrated by BASC, the Countryside Alliance and others to cover up wildlife crime. They have sought to understand highly technical data from GPS tagged raptors(Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers) so as to be able shine a light of truth at the unlawful behaviour occurring particularly on grouse moors and hunting estates, which is tacitly condoned by the above organisations.
Thank you Lou! Utmost respect for you and the work you do. At a time when the police are seen, week in and week out, doing nothing to stop obvious illegal fox hunting, it’s good to see a high ranking police officer making some waves… in the right direction! The CA in general are bullying thugs and the fact that they’ve reacted would suggest they’re feeling threatened. Good!
I’m so sorry that this execrable rag chose to print such an utterly despicable piece of CA toadying. Thank you Lou for your unbiased, hard work.
The Countryside Aliiance xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx. It’s hardly surprising they wouldn’t like a police officer.
Anybody who knows anything about the Countryside Alliance knows that they are now desperate to save their disgusting ‘sport’ that involves killing birds for fun. A ‘sport’ that can only exist by the law of this land turning a blind eye to the rampant criminality that allows it to continue.
Anybody brave enough to stand up to these people are targeted as anti’s when in truth they are just a minority trying to uphold the laws of this land.
Lou Hubble and Nick Lyall are shining a light that is allowing the public to see the ‘sport’ for what it is. They both deserve medals and promotions. That two colleges can’t have a bit of fun at the expense of each other without the game farmers getting their knickers in a twist tells us much more about them and how desperate they are.
Btw, doesn’t the owner of the Daily Mail own a grouse moor? Certainly much of the media support shooting as many of them have involvement. That in itself must be worth an investigation.
This simply shows how desperate the hinting and shooting lobby are. The writing is on the wall and even the comic the story is printed in knows it.
Lou Hubble and Nick Lyall have shown a determination to tackle crime, in their case it happens to be wildlife crime, that is an exemplar to any serving police officer. Additionally, as this spoof video reminds us, they have approached their role with openness, good humour and a degree of approachability that is wholly admirable. That they are attacked for this should only reflect ill on the complainants and seriously question the motivation behind such scurrilous defamation.
Big thanks to Lou Hubble and NIck Lyall for their objective work to uphold the law of the land with respect to wildlife crime. It’s a hard graft and a big ask and lightening up to show support and pay tribute through a spoof like this simply expresses a very human appreciation which I am sure we all support. Keep up the excellent work, please.
It’s seems to me to be a light hearted video and the Countryside Alliance must be scrapping the barrel if that’s all they have found to complain about. They should be supporting these hard working police officers who are fighting crime and doing a great job against the odds (lack of funding).
Utter drivel even by the standards of the Daily Mail online and Countryside Alliance. Lou Hubble, Nick Lyall and many of their colleagues have really started to give many of us hope that raptor persecution in particular is being given a much higher priority and is being tackled as a matter of priority. They have both gone out of their way to be balanced and even-handed. As an example, I was asked to take part in the video – I’m the chap in the grouse butt. I was filmed in the grouse butt for about 3 minutes, and I was mainly simulating shooting grouse (Daily Mail/CA for the avoidance of doubt I didn’t have a weapon, I just pretended). Because Lou thought that this might cause offence in some quarters she asked for this not to be included in the final video. Integrity personified.
A message of support from me. By ‘extremist’ they mean taking a different point of view. I personally regard all unnecessary ‘wildlife control’ and especially illegal bird of prey killing as rather extreme behaviour which when brought to peoples attention is not looked upon favourably. Middle aged father of 2, countryside dweller, clinical researcher by trade and concerned about the prevailing fashion of land ownership/ management with it’s ecological and animal welfare deficits. I don’t like crow traps, snares, use of poison, overstocking of unfenced livestock (pheasants) in our woodlands, fenn traps and wandering groups of usually drunken men all armed with shotguns causing a loud disturbance in the winter months (personal experience).
Please let Chief Inspector Lou Hubble (Head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit) continue doing her job as effectively as she has been doing.
I have just tried to join the Countryside Alliance facebook group! OK, it is to see what they put on there as I am in no way interested in their evil ways. Interesting what rules they have in place for joining…
1
No hate speech, swearing or bullying
Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying and swear words are not allowed. Degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity are not tolerated.
2
No promotions or spam
Give more to this group than you take. Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren’t allowed.
3
Be kind and courteous
We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
4
Respect everyone’s privacy
Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.
I wonder how ‘welcoming’ they will be!
Well done!! Keep on with the good work
Very seriously does anyone take the clowns at CA to represent the views of decent countryside and rural folk? They are simply a collection of ancient relics clinging desperately onto a bygone age, even their dress sense goes back over 100 years. Best to ignore these insults to normal people and not promote their agenda, even when it involves an attack on such an outstanding person as Chief Inspector Lou Hubble.
As for the Daily Mail (Fail), my dogs get more information from sniffing their hind quarters than we can reasonably expect from reading this excuse for a newspaper.
Hahahaha Love it, but don’t forget that those ancient relics get off with power and control and can get very indignant and (dare I say) extremist when their activities are called into question.
I enjoyed the video, ‘terrible’ as it was, BUT it’s a legitimate question what on earth Chief Inspector Hubble thought she was doing ‘starring’ in it. Wrong call, I’m afraid. I wish her all success though, internal enquiry or not.
It is however the Daily Mail – what do you expect?
If though, to use Mark Avery’s word this is ‘Very Nasty’, does attending GWCT Member meetings unannounced, recording all of the proceedings and feeding it to frenzy that is the M Avery blog – as was done by Ruth Tingay – qualify as ‘very nasty’?
To my mind, the faux outrage over the Mail/CA is another attempt to set all the parties apart, to continue to polarise any debate, when what should be happening, and thankfully is happening, is a grown-up sensible debate and actions to move the issue forward and reach a solution. Messrs Hubble and Lyall are key to that work.
‘Wrong call, I’m afraid’.
Why?
Mark,
You wrote, ‘Does attending GWCT Member meetings unannounced, recording all of the proceedings and feeding it to frenzy that is the M Avery blog – as was done by Ruth Tingay – qualify as ‘very nasty’?
A few points of clarification:
It was not a ‘GWCT Member meeting’ – it was a meeting open to the public, for which I paid to attend.
I did record proceedings because (a) I wasn’t told that I couldn’t and (b) because I wanted to be able to report accurately on what had been said at this public meeting, for the benefit of an interested and informed audience on Mark’s blog.
It’s clear you still have a problem with these events that took place five years ago, and that’s absolutely fine, you’re entitled to your view, but please, don’t try and equate the disgusting, cowardly, pathetic and potentially career-sabotaging behaviour of the Countryside Alliance with the simple reporting of a public event.
‘does attending GWCT Member meetings unannounced, recording all of the proceedings and feeding it to frenzy that is the M Avery blog – as was done by Ruth Tingay – qualify as ‘very nasty’?’
The simple answer. No.
The longer answer: No, it is journalism. Not sure if Ruth would call herself a journalist but i do.
What part of truth do you have a problem with?
This is the bit that shows your nastiness under the polite veneer.
‘feeding it to frenzy that is the M Avery blog.’
Mark Avery is just about the most reasoned, annoyingly so sometimes, analyst around and i challenge you to find any of his statement that wasn’t reasoned and factual and that fits your hyperbolic slur. Character assassination is not an argument. You do get that?
I rather think that making a formal, yet baseless, complaint about Chief Inspector Hubble, involving the Daily Mail and other instances of such behaviour by the CA et al is what’s setting “all the parties apart”.
“grown-up sensible debate and actions”
Perhaps you should take your own advice, Mark, instead of making ridiculous claims about a GWCT public meeting. That’s the problem with people like you – rather than focus on genuine extremists (CA), you’re more concerned with trying to bring an equivalence which doesn’t exist in an attempt to smear Ruth. It won’t work.
Chief Inspector Lou Hubble deserves all of the support that we can give her. I suspect that like Chris they will try to get her moved. If her bosses don’t see through this ploy then they are definitely part of the problem.
Erm…we know that a lot of the bosses are likely ‘part of the problem’, if not encouraging, condoning their constables to idly stand by whilst hunt sabs are assaulted, have their cameras, etc stolen and vehicles rammed. I always thought that theft, threatening behaviour, ABH, GBH, and intentional criminal damage were indictable offences. Perhaps the CA and/or MO might like to do a piece on that! Erm…thought not.
For the benefit of Chief Inspector Lou Hubble’s senior officers, please note that I am formally registering my support for her. I am sure that you will see this complaint for what it really is. Perhaps after it has been dealt with you can turn your attention to those who have wasted Police time. Chin up Lou.
Fully support Lou and Nick’s work. Fully expect the CA to operate in this manner and have it amplified by the likes of Mail Online.
I am only surprised that it took them this long and it wasn’t an attack on Nick Lyall himself.
I’m sure they thought about it but ah but they found a woman instead.
So thanks CA for highlighting Lou Hubble in the video, she is one of the many brave people in the video, who i didn’t know about making a commitment of support of Nick and his fight against raptor crime. Thanks CA for allowing me to appreciate her work.
This would be laughable if it weren’t that the police appear to be unable to take a joke.
Countryside Alliance/ Daily Fail – both disreputable organisations in my opinion. One a killing (for fun) society and the other a rag which was highlighted as the most inaccurate newspaper a few years back.
Well done Lou , I would like to thank you for supporting our wildlife and doing your job extremely well (otherwise they wouldn’t come after you). Personally I would check all those ‘investigating’ you for links to the CA/hunting fraternity etc. – they are an insidious cancer in an otherwise compassionate society.
Well done and full support for all the work of Ch Insp Lou Hubble and Supt Nick Lyall in trying to stop raptor crime. This is the tip of the iceberg in what they face in their basic duty – upholding the law.
The tactics of Countryside Alliance are becoming ridiculous, and the Daily Mail even more so. What are they doing, spouting the propaganda of what is effectively a xxxxxxxxxxxxx organisation? I’m not saying every member of the CA is corrupt, but by joining this bunch of participants in grouse shooting they are accepting the propensity of the organisation in general, by their silence over the widespread killing of native Red Foxes, Hen Harriers, etc. One wonders how much lower they can sink.
To the senior officers: do not allow your heads to be turned by right-wing lobbyists (such as the CA) and their mouthpieces (e.g. Daily Mail).
Crime is crime, your occupational target. The National Wildlife Crime Unit needs all the support it can get.
It seems to me quite appropriate that if ANY complaint is lodged against a police officer, that someone takes a ‘moment’ to investigate, even when those complaints are driven by maliciousness and self-interest so as to protect their own illegal activities. Surely, that shows a fair-minded Police force?
That having been said, it won’t take more than a second ‘moment’ to recognise that this was a light-hearted but respectful video marking the contributions of another police officer! And a nasty, self-serving complaint. Of course, there have been precedents about police officers being told not to dance (whilst on duty), but I doubt the residents of Notting Hill actually made those complaints. See https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/notting-hill-carnival-police-officers-ordered-not-to-dance-with-revellers-495220
Dear Lou, thank you for fighting to end wildlife crime and for trying to stop those who seek to perpetuate it.
I am a children’s author and two of my books cover raptor persecution associated with driven grouse moor.
I regularly meet children, parents, teachers, librarians, book sellers, book bloggers who are also horrified by the wildlife crime committed in the UK.
My books also cover bullying. Playground bullies go out into the adult world and continue to oppress and attempt to discredit and ruin others’ lives.
Lou…you are a role model for so many young people…you fight for wildlife and wild places, probably the most important issue of our time, you stand up to bullies who try to discredit your integrity. The question must be asked of the shameful Countryside Alliance; if it says it truly is against wildlife crime, then why try to discredit someone fighting to end wildlife crime?
Please continue to do what you do. We need people like you.
And in doing so, future generations may have the chance of seeing Hen Harriers and eagles and a wilder future.
Gill Lewis
Lou Hubble has my utmost respect and appreciation, as has Nick Lyall, for her impartiality and her ability to build relationships with key stakeholders which has been key in tackling rural criminality. Lou’s work has also been greatly instrumental in increasing public confidence in the ability of the police to tackle wildlife crime.
No wonder Chief Inspector Hubble was awarded an OBE for these and other successes. Nor that Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney was ‘absolutely delighted’ that one of her officer’s was recognised in this way.
The fact Lou Hubble clearly has a sense of humour, to wear ‘that’ parka to celebrate (and gently rib) a colleague, surely is a positive too.
Lou and Nick; More power to your elbows! Keep up the good work!
This attack on Lou Hubble’s integrity is absolutely shameful but sadly to be expected from an organisation that thinks it has the feudalistic right to treat the countryside as it’s personal playground and that happily kills other living things for fun with total disregard for any bits of the law that don’t suit them.
I fully support anyone who works towards ending the abuse of the UK’s wildlife and especially all at RPUK for bringing it to a wider audience.
Thanks Lou, that you’re on the receiving end of this garbage shows you’re doing your job properly. The fact the CA supported by the Daily Mail is mounting a ludicrous attack on a highly competent and conscientious member of a profession whose members put themselves at risk and have died while maintaining public safety is beyond despicable. My blood would be boiling at this even if my own brother wasn’t a police officer. Every time time I think they can sink no lower they do, but intellectually and morally the CA and friends are on the same level as the Ku Klux Klan. Not only should the formal inquiry totally exonerate you it should lead to a commendation. If someone like Ruth Tingay, who only wants the law to be upheld, can be labelled an ‘extremist’ what does that say about the people trying to do it?
Les, I can understand your anger and sympathise with it, but I don’t think it wise to compare the Countryside Alliance with the Ku Klux Klan. I suspect that may provide the CA with ammunition (appropriately!) to mock us, the good guys. The CA kills wildlife, which is utterly cruel and despicable, whereas, as you know, the Ku Klux Klan ruthlessly murdered thousands of fellow human beings, simply because of their unique culture and “cos they were black.”
I understand that Iain, and in fact did so before I made the comment – not the first time I’ve made that comparison incidentally – and I stand by it, it serves a purpose. When members of a ‘community’ can comment ‘at least those Syrian refugees would make good targets down at the rifle range’ without any censure from other members of it then I’m not too bothered if some think I’ve gone too far saying they are on an equivalent moral and intellectual level with the KKK. As far as I’m concerned that’s true. If the CA wants to try and mock me for that comment they’re welcome to try, they blocked me from commenting on their FB page years ago and not because I offended their gentle nature, but they couldn’t answer the rather awkward points I kept raising again and again and again.
Thanks for replying Les. I fully respect your entitlement to free speech, and your comments on this blog, but having read your reply I think you might be slightly misinterpreting my point. Although you say you’re willing to be quoted as the originator of the Ku Klux Klan comparison, I still feel that it could be used to criticise RPUK and/or its comment. However I hope this is unlikely, especially the idea of the Daily Mail showing a blazing header like “Raptor Group says Countryside Alliance is comparable to “.Ku Klux Klan”. Maybe I’m over-reacting. It’s unlikely they will pick up on this dialogue (I hope!), but if they did I think they’ll come up with a more snappy headline than mine!
I would just like to echo the overwhelming sentiment expressed on here: full support for Lou Hubble, total contempt for the CA and the Daily Heil. That Wikipedia will no longer accept that rag as a reliable source says all you need to know (mind, when will they get around to taking the same stance against the Sun, Express and Telegraph?) abiut its honesty, integrity and reliability.
This is low even for the Daily Fail – and that’s saying something!! 110% support for Lou and all her hard work. How anyone could watch that clip and see it as anything other than the lighthearted tribute it was, is utterly beyond me. And as has already been pointed out, the presence of BASC completely puts paid to the notion that participation could in anyway have been partisan. A police officer thanking a senior officer for his work upholding the law can hardly be interpreted as “siding with extremists” now can it?!
What apparently gets up the nose of the Countryside Alliance is the fact that females get in on their act! The only response these Countrysiders seem to adopt is slaughtering the enemy (as they see it, that’s to say women who raise their heads above masculine butts) . Venomous rancour. Well done C.I. Lou Hubble and Dr. Ruth Tingay.
The fact that this attack on an honourable has happened probably demonstrates that these people are seriosly worried. I hope that Chief Inspectors employers steadfastly standby her to send out a strong message to allconcerned about her integrity and the great job she is doing
Serious organised crime will always target Police Officers who are investigating their activities. The formal complaint is mendacious.
Dear Lou Hubble
I want to thank you for working so hard to bring various interested groups to work together cohesively for our birds of prey.
For far too long, only lip service has been paid to the prevention of Raptor Persecution but I for one, finally feel some hope with people like yourself on board.
Anyone with half a sense of humour can see the video was just a spoof, a friendly way of showing support to Police Superintendent Nick Lyall for all his hard work as Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group.
This seems to me to be a very clear attack on you and which it would seem, the people instigating this attack, could be trying to intimidate you. Don’t let them. Our Raptor s
need Wildlife Crime supporters otherwise they are doomed to the history books.
How to win friends and influence people? That’ll be another shot in the foot then.
Whilst the wisdom of making public this spoof video may be questionable and has apparently caused embarrassment for NWCU staff, the motive of the Countryside Alliance for making their complaint is clear: they never miss an opportunity to attack anyone who tries to stop their members committing wildlife crime and I will never understand why the police service (the NPCC in particular) engages with them.
To Chief Inspector Lou Hubble’s senior officers: Please accept this blog post as a formal expression of support for C.I. Hubble in the face of contemptible smear attempts by the Countryside Alliance.
She is doing a fantastic job that is the problem, these bastards want someone in place who is clueless then they can keep the status quo. Typical underneath tactics, how I despise these people
The complaint by the Countryside Alliance is vexatious and misplaced, symptomatic of a worried organisation who seemingly cannot accept that criminality is a very big issue in the ‘shooting birds for fun’ community. I have worked with Lou Hubble over the years and her integrety and professionalism has never been in doubt. This was a short fun film celebrating Superintendent Nick Lyall’s award winning work. I have written formally to say so.
Just to offer my support to Lou Hubble at this vexatious accusation. I have nothing but admiration for the work Lou Hubble and Superintendent Nick Lyall have carried out. The fact that you’re integrity is being attacked is a measure of how good a job you are doing. Please treat it as a badge of honour.
I wonder if this kind of attack is happening at a local level to Wildlife Crime Officers?
We need you Lou, and Nick. Please keep on keeping on against wildlife crime. Thanks so much.
Great video, police officers and associates having a good time and taking the micky out of a colleague.anyone offended by that needs to get a life. I,m thinking of investing in an oversize red parka and hanging around Grouse moors myself
Having failed in getting Chris Packham sacked by the BBC it looks as if the representatives of the organised criminal gangs currently polluting the uplands of England and Scotland are now turning their attention to what they might perceive as easier targets. It beggars belief. Still they must think they have a chance of someone losing their job because of this, it will be interesting to see how far the roots of their corruption have spread. good luck Lou Hubble
Well done Chief Inspector Lou Hubble, a truly decent human being. Not only are you good at your job, you are showing the Police at their best. Thank you for what you do.
‘Countryside Alliance and hunt groups say that the Chief Inspector shouldn’t be taking sides with conservation campaigners’.
I assume these same people (I use the term loosely) haven’t read the blog by the officer involved in the prosecution of the South Herefordshire Hunt on the Hunt Investigation Team pages on FB which highlights how difficult he found it to do his job honestly when so many other officers were putting obstacles in his way – https://www.facebook.com/huntinvestigationteam/?fref=profile_friend_list&hc_location=profile_browser or here – https://foxcubscruelty.com/2020/01/13/my-first-blog/?fbclid=IwAR3WPQk8qJcnR6So-w7BcL2VeWiydMTI3ToI11R6udQRdP8GjNc1LIrpnf4 or here – https://foxcubscruelty.com/
Officers acting honestly and without bias seem to be a rarity. More power to Lou and Nick with the hope that they will expose the hypocrisy of the CA (although I still prefer their former name, the British Field Sports Society since their emphasis is there).
The best place to begin reading about Police corruption is the start of the retired Police Officer’s blog:
https://foxcubscruelty.com/2020/01/12/about-me/
‘Countryside Alliance and hunt groups say that the Chief Inspector shouldn’t be taking sides with conservation campaigners’.
‘Taking sides’ against what exactly?
Criminals, heaven forbid!
Thank you for your hard work Lou and Nick. Ridiculous to put out this non-story in an effort to discredit you. More power to your combined elbows…
This would be laughable if it wasn’t so vindictive. I can only imagine how frustrating and upsetting it must be to face such ridiculous criticism when you’re devoting your life to public service. I hope the fact that so many individuals and organisations value the work that you do so highly is taken into account when considering this baseless complaint.
I think ‘utter bastards’ is an accurate summary , and one that could be applied equally to the CA and the so called journalists and the publications that spew out their bile and propaganda
Now why would the Countryside Alliance behave so ridiculously in hitting out at someone who is doing their utmost to uphold the law and prevent wildlife crime!? Feeling threatened maybe? Appalling behaviour – and shame on you Daily Mail for printing this rubbish!
The video was an amusing tribute to the excellent work of Police Supt Nick Lyall… a brilliant bit of fun!
I salute Chief Inspector Lou Hubble – she’s doing a fantastic job preventing wildlife crime… We need more people like her and Nick Lyall!
Good on you Lou.
Our country is being blighted by people such as this who think it is OK to persecute practically all things that they cannot farm for themselves: Foxes, raptors, mountain hares, pine Martens…. I could go on.
When these peoe become threatened by law abiding citizens, often they turn malicious and in some cases have turned violent; damaging property, attacking people, like hunt sabs who oppose their activities, especially fox hunts, or in some cases even intimidate people in their own estates: as Chris Packham can atest.
By standing up to these people, not only are you protecting wildlife that is threatened with local extinctions by these people, you are also standing up for the decent people of the world who want our country’s countryside to thrive and protect the creatures in their area from suffering.
You’re doing an amazing job, you’re brave and should be proud of the work you are doing. Eventually, the more people like you take wildlife crime seriously, the more people are prosecuted; the hope being wildlife crime ends! Thankyou for your commitment and continue to do what you do, knowing the vast majority of us are right behind you.
Dear Lou
Don’t let the bastards grind you down, if you weren’t doing a good job they wouldn’t be attacking you
Thank you Lou for your dedication in tackling illegal wildlife crime. I once would have thought that the CA would have supported this, but I now realise they are a cover organisation for extremists.
Yes, thank you for all the hard work, Lou. My interpretation of Lou’s participation in the video would be along the lines of her trying to build bridges between our police and law-abiding citizens, particularly young people. I’ve witnessed similar “silly” behaviour from police traffic officers at major cycling events, and I’ve never heard a complaint about that.
I wonder if the previous editor of “The Daily Mail” still has some influence there.
Looked for the video on youtube – not there, alas, as it sounds quite entertaining. Her job is to prevent wildlife crime. Appearing in a light-hearted video with people who oppose wildlife crime seems fairly appropriate behaviour in that context: certainly not professionally inappropriate. Louise Hubble effectively prosecutes crimes, and this attack on her lends implicit support for those crimes, nothing less.
Hi Adrian,
The video link is here, enjoy!
How sad that I have to write this in support of someone going about their business with integrity and dedication. I’m sure if her bosses are reading this, they won’t for one second uphold any kind of complaint – that would simply include them in the farce. Perhaps reporting on how the CA has wasted public money in this investigation might be a decent enough response?
Lou joined in a video which was obviously fun, a gentle dig at Nick’s rapper coat. That The Mail sought to use this against her in support of the CA tells you all you need to know about both organisations.
A disgraceful and vindictive attack on the integrity of a hardworking and respected Police Officer tackling wildlife crime by both the CA and the Daily Mail. I very much hope that the Countryside Alliance and Tim Bonner in particular come to regret making their formal complaint, which is clearly vexatious and reflects very badly on their own integrity. Any internal investigation that results is a waste of police time and taxpayer’s money and this should be included in the police’s formal response to the complaint.
To Chief Inspector Lou Hubble and Police Supt Nick Lyall: please keep up the good work – if the CA have you in their sights you are clearly making waves! And the same applies to Dr Ruth Tingay of course.
‘The headline itself provides a wonderful insight in to the mind of a Daily Mail ‘journalist’ ‘– it would appear that the journalist is, in fact, freelance having written pieces for the Guardian and quite a bit for the Observer. My guess is that this ‘piece’ was a straight ‘Cut and Paste’ job from his ‘informant’ in the CA. Doesn’t change anything though..it is a vile attack on a woman. They are so brave! No mention of the BASC bloke doing his thing! Scum, the lot of them. No! lower than scum!
The author of this piece of garbage is nothing more than your bog standard freelance mercenary hack, will print the appropriate story for the appropriate title, Thirty pieces of Silver etc etc, sex it up to get the Mail readers frothing at the mouth, truth be damned.
There seems to be a bypass of responsibility when it come to journalism standards in this country, and more ‘quality’ journalists should be outing these frauds and shills that do so much damage to their profession. Think this article deserves to be forwarded to Private Eye for their very influential ‘Street of shame’ section. As well as complaints to the media regulator who are a completely independent watchdog…. oh wait…….
Both Lou and Nick deserve support and respect from fellow officers for the excellent work they do to tackle wildlife crime,an area I feel the Police have sometimes been less than supportive of. This attack from the Countryside Alliance is a desperate attempt to smear their reputation when in fact it is their own that has gone down the pan.
The Countryside Alliance are desperate organization who will do desperate things to find dirt on their opponents (ie. Those people who simply want to stop the killing of innocent animals)
This is typical, of a publication that can’t practise what it preaches. A paper that declares “Enemies of the People” on certain judges and made inappropriate comments about one judges’ sexuality and this https://www.imediaethics.org/mail-online-more-interested-in-emma-watsons-clothes-than-un-speech-commentary/ Private Eye is awash with comments about The DM.
I will bet the blood started boiling when they saw in the video a picture of Chris Packham and realised that they couldn’t get a comment in about autism being a negative thing again.