Hunting ban likely, despite protests (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hunting ban likely, despite protests

A BAN on foxhunting looks more likely despite protestations against the Hunting Bill by the House of Lords.

The Bill, which would see an outright ban on foxhunting in England and Wales, went to the Lords for debate on Tuesday.

Despite the majority of Lords speaking against the Bill, rural affairs minister Lord Whitty announced the Government was ready to override any vote by the Lords by using the Parliament Act to force the legislation through.

Jo Aldridge, from the Beaufort Hunt believes the changes would not protect animal welfare or benefit the countryside.

She added: "It just goes back to the same old bigotry of the Labour back benchers.

"If we were a sexual or religious minority it wouldn't be allowed to happen."

Paul Richardson, from Cirencester Animal Rights group said: "It doesn't make any difference to us which way it goes through as long as it goes through.

"There should be a ban, why should the Lords be able to stop that. We voted Parliament in and they are the ones who should be able to change things."

Mark Hill, joint master of the Vale of the White Horse Hunt said the Bill would have a damaging impact on the countryside.

He said: "I'm responsible for the employment of nine people who will all lose their jobs and homes.

"At a time when farm workers are leaving their land at least hunting provides a viable country community. It's going to be an empty place without it."

Gill Purser, from the support group for the Cotswold Abolition of Hunting movement said: "The will of the Commons has to prevail otherwise there's no point in having the democratic set up we've got.

"If we have to use the Parliament Act because an outdated House of Lords gets in the way then so be it."