Courts likely to decide future of fox-hunting

Labour backbencher Huw Irranca-Davies had proposed allowing fox hunting to continue under licence.

But the Ogmore MP’s amendment, thought to be favoured by Tony Blair, was thrown out by the Commons.

The Bill will return to the Lords today. If peers once again reject a ban the Prime Minister is expected to force it through using the Parliament Act.

MPs have repeatedly voted for an outright ban since the issue was raised in Labour’s 1997 manifesto, only to see it rejected by the Upper House.

In a fiery debate, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael urged everyone to respect tonight’s outcome, saying the will of the Commons must prevail.

"The decisions of Parliament are not taken by a sort of opinion poll where you average out the votes on either side in either the Lords or this place.

"It is this House, the elected House, that I am seeking to address."

Mr Michael added: "It is time to fulfil what is a manifesto commitment to enable Parliament to reach a conclusion on this issue."

The licensing system was proposed by Mr Michael when he reintroduced the Bill to the Commons, but was rejected by MPs.

The amendment from Mr Irranca-Davies would have reinstated those plans.

He faced heckles and a series of interventions from anti-hunt MPs as he put his case, arguing colleagues had misunderstood huntsmen’s motives and ignored the benefits their practice brought.

His proposal was voted down by 204 to 321, a majority of 117.

Earlier, MPs had rejected the latest amendment from the Lords, passed on Monday night, which would have allowed stag hunting and hare coursing as well as licensed hunting. That was rejected by 343 to 175, a majority 168.