The Labour Party is to hold the first political conference specifically devoted to rural affairs.

Environment secretary Margaret Beckett said the aim of the conference, to be held from July 19 to 21 in Shropshire, was to discuss the priorities of rural communities.

Forum Response: Country Land and Business Association

Sir Edward Greenwell, president of the CLA, told ePolitix.com: "Opportunities to debate the priorities and concerns of rural Britain are always welcome and this initiative by the Labour Party has our support. I hope the CLA will be able to make a valuable contribution to this event and we will be in touch with the secretary of state to offer our assistance.

"A thriving rural economy and agricultural industry is vital to ensure that communities have a positive future, including affordable housing, good employment, appropriate services, environmental stewardship and opportunities for business diversification. Tourism also thrives on a healthy countryside. We will welcome the chance to talk about all of these things."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

Richard Burge, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, told ePolitix.com: "We welcome the fact that the ruling party is holding a rural conference such as this, but only hope that this is a genuine attempt to address the viability of rural Britain, rather than a piece of electioneering.

"Both the fact that we are planning one of the largest civil liberties marches this country has ever seen for September 22 shows both the depth of rural anger over issues such as hunting and farming, and the fact that government is perhaps doing too little too late".