The choice facing the public in the spring hunting referendum is whether to move forward or remain stuck in the past, according to the No campaign.

Speaking during an activity in Valletta, Shout campaign spokes-man Mark Sultana said those who are campaigning in favour of spring hunting are trying “to turn back the clock”.

“This referendum will send a message about the importance of the people versus the interests of a small group,” Mr Sultana said.

“If the referendum is lost, we will be sending a clear message that hunters can do whatever they please.”

Mr Sultana said that many parliamentarians from both parties would be voting No in the referendum, and said the time had come to stop hunters “blackmailing” politicians with their votes. “Twenty years ago, a decision was made to close the spring hunting season.

If the referendum is lost, we will be sending a clear message that hunters can do whatever they please

“In that period, Malta and Gozo overflowed with nesting birds. At last there was proof that, with no spring hunting, the countryside is better and more beautiful,” he added.

Mr Sultana encouraged the public to collect their voting documents before the April 11 referendum, and pledged to help those who required assistance to cast their vote.

Meanwhile, the Yes campaign claimed yesterday that potential voters were still waiting for the No campaign to reveal how much the referendum would cost taxpayers.

“The people will be paying money as a result of the extremism of the No campaign, which cannot come to terms with the fact that spring hunting is permissible by the European Commission,” said campaign spokeswoman Kathleen Grima during a public dialogue in Birkirkara.

“A Yes vote is a positive choice in favour of mutual respect and tolerance, where people respect the regulated activities of others and not seek to abolish them.

“A Yes vote is also a vote in favour of enjoying equal rights in the EU,” Dr Grima added.

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