Ricky Gervais reminds UK of David Cameron's promise to vote on repealing fox hunting ban after Conservative election victory
The PM claims the Hunting Act 'has done nothing for animal welfare'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ricky Gervais has reminded the electorate of a pledge David Cameron made to hold a parliamentary vote on repealing the fox hunting ban if the Conservatives won the election.
Mr Cameron expressed his views on hunting in a comment piece for Countryside Alliance magazine in March, where he criticised the 2004 Hunting Act passed by the Labour Government.
The act bans the hunting of wild animals, including but not limited to foxes, deer and hares.
“I have always been a strong supporter of country sports," he wrote. "It is my firm belief that people should have the freedom to hunt, so I share the frustration that many people feel about the Hunting Act and the way it was brought in by the last government.
“The Hunting Act has done nothing for animal welfare. A Conservative Government will give Parliament the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act on a free vote, with a government Bill in government time."
Gervais reminded his eight million Twitter followers of this pledge after a Tory majority was declared, warning: "David Cameron says he wants to repeal the fox hunting ban."
The comedian is a vocal animal rights supporter and most recently took hunter Rebecca Francis to task for killing a host of animals by posting a picture of her lying next to a dead giraffe.
If the Prime Minister does keep his promise, MPs will vote on whether to keep hunting with dogs illegal. Labour responded to the piece by vowing to defend the current ban on fox hunting, arguing the practice has “no place in a civilised society”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments