Q2: Are you for or against fox hunting?

GCB: I think it is worth considering the views of experts in the field to find the most constructive approach. I am not supportive of the legislation that was introduced in 1997, which has been proved to be unenforceable. The independent Burns Inquiry in 2000 failed to conclude that hunting was crueler than other methods of wildlife management. The former executive director of the League Against Cruel Sports, noted "the Hunting Act has failed on every level, not least of all on animal welfare. Hunting is a positive and vitally important part of wildlife management, provided it is done within proper rules."

MD: I have always been against fox hunting and I am very proud Labour banned fox hunting in 2004. I think there are more humane ways to control fox numbers and the concerns that fox hunting would lead to job losses and the destruction of the rural way of life have not been borne out. I am pleased that many hunts have switched to drag hunting, which I always believed would be the best solution for those who enjoy the thrill of the chase.

MC: I don’t understand how people get pleasure out of causing pain and suffering to another living animal. The current law on hunting is unworkable and has many loopholes. People tell me hunting is a tradition and should be preserved but it still needs to fit with the time and be within the law. I have no problem with people meeting up, riding around and being sociable, there are other ways of getting pleasure and upholding tradition that don’t involve ripping a tired, scared living creature to bits. More foxes die on our roads every year than are killed by the hunt.

KL: I am against fox hunting. It is cruel support and it interferes with the balance of nature - our countryside is not a plaything. We should also be working to find sustainable employment for those people in the fox hunting industry where their knowledge and skills can be put towards the protection of our environment and so benefiting all.

AB: In regards to fox hunting, I have seen both sides of the argument with a majority living in the countryside support hunting, and those in majority in the cities and towns are against it. There will always be a debate on this subject, but the issue must not be solved by politics, where a political party who supports one way or another can control events. I have to say, this may concern many people, but surely there are more important issues concerning our country and its people. I have to say I am ambient on this subject.

AS: I live in the constituency. I took the coach from the Royal Agricultural College and went on the Liberty and Livelihood London March. I'm against the criminalisation of fox hunting. I've seen the alternatives, which are shooting and trapping. I don't think either is more humane. Incidentally I've been man hunted so I know what being hunted feels like. Fox hunting is not as cruel or as class ridden as it may appear. I don't hunt myself but I've got several prints of hunts; one of an agricultural worker misdirecting a hunt. Hunting has always had legitimate detractors but to criminalise all hunting with dogs is pretty nannyish and unenforceable. If you let a dog or cat out into a garden they'll hunt. It's actually criminalising a lot of the nation.