Anti-hunt MPs fear Blair betrayal
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.Opponents of fox-hunting on Labour's back benches have warned Tony Blair that he risks a significant backlash if he adopts a "middle way" stance on blood sports.
MPs made it clear, in private meetings with the Prime Minister last week, that the Government risks "upsetting everyone" if it does not support a ban on hunting. An existing Bill to outlaw hunting, rejected earlier in the Lords, is understood to have been shelved.
Anti-hunt campaigners fear that, in abandoning the Bill, ministers will be tempted to move closer to a compromise position.
Supporters of the middle way option, which would allow fox-hunting to continue under licence, share this perception. Peter Luff, a Tory MP, was heard crying "tally-ho!" in the lobbies last week. And a prominent supporter of the middle way admitted he was actually in favour of fox-hunting.
Labour backbenchers were offered a free vote on fox-hunting as part of a deal to secure support for the beleaguered Secretary of State for Transport, Stephen Byers. Votes in the Commons and the Lords are expected to take place this month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments