Ring the changes

Published Tuesday 13 May 2008 at 12:25

I note with pleasure that the Association of Circus Proprietors has at last begun to involve itself in the political contact and action which have been so lacking in support of the industry for so many years. This action relates especially to the performing animal debate and to licensing.

It is important to now advance the progress made by my colleagues and myself under DEFRA’s Circus Working Group. Two ACP members took part in the group, others voiced their support of our work and the association’s secretary gave limited input. Our achievement has been to restore artistic freedom by revealing the scientific truth about animal welfare in circuses. I hope the new initiatives for the ACP will see it move forward in unity with the whole circus community.

When the Licensing Act 2003 threatened to damage circuses, Equity offered instant support, which continues now. The Stage aired our concerns. I was able to initiate contact with the MP Peter Luff, who responded magnificently in our defence and has continued to do so in the face of internal and external setbacks. It is heartening that the ACP has eventually been able to take part in this discussion too.

The British circus community owes a great deal to Equity, as well as to the committed work of the European Circus Association. Without their support, and without the hard work of those who have so actively provided material and helped our campaigns, circuses would not now be in such a potentially forward-looking position. Perhaps the ACP will capitalise on the opportunities now presented to it by the commitment of others.

Chris Barltrop

Equity Circus Councillor

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