DAVID Cameron, the new Conservative leader, tells us that he wants to build a "modern and compassionate" party, but about the only firm commitment he has given is to introduce a Bill to overturn the ban on hunting wild mammals with dogs, his former hobby.

In what sense is restoring the medieval barbarity and cruelty of such bloodsports either modern or compassionate?

We appeal to anyone considering supporting him to judge him not on his supposed charisma or honeyed phrases but on what he is and does.

His fanatical enthusiasm for the organised harrying and slaughter of defenceless animals for "sport" clearly shows the unpleasant reality behind the "modern and compassionate" image.

Alan Kirby, Protect Our Wild Animals Group, (address supplied)