US EditionBoxing Day Hunts Vow to 'Fight' Trail Ban as Starmer Warned over Rural Backlash
The government plans a 2026 consultation on banning trail hunting amid rural backlash, with 65% of voters saying rural communities are unfairly neglected, poll shows.
- The Labour government will launch a consultation in early 2026 on banning trail hunting, as part of the new animal welfare strategy launched before Christmas.
- Citing past reforms and the Batters review, officials said the ban builds on existing measures to strengthen animal welfare, targeting trail hunting often used as cover for illegal foxhunting and enhancing police powers to prevent dog attacks on livestock.
- Hunt supporters pointed to large turnouts and local examples such as the Grove Rufford Hunt, with thousands attending Boxing Day meets on Friday, and organisers claim the activity contributes more than `1 million` to the rural economy.
- The Countryside Alliance warned the government has alienated rural people, with polls showing 65 per cent say Labour neglects country communities and ORB International surveyed 2,083 respondents.
- Looking beyond the consultation, ministers point to Baroness Minette Batters and the Batters Review's call for collaboration, but inheritance tax changes and a partial U-turn deepen farming communities' resentment.
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17 Articles
Daily Post
ITVBoxing Day hunts vow to 'fight' trail ban as Starmer warned over rural backlash
'Like all fights it’s going to get messy'
Evening Standard
Boxing Day hunts vow to ‘fight’ trail ban as Starmer warned over rural backlash
The Countryside Alliance pressure group said the Government had ‘alienated rural people’.
This Boxing Day tradition could end for good in the future
Crowds cheer and applaud the Cheshire Hunt on Boxing Day 2024 (Picture: Bruce Adams/Daily Mail) Tens of thousands of people are expected to meet for Boxing Day trail hunts as the government moves to outlaw the countryside pursuit. Sir Keir Starmer’s government is seeking a ban on the field sport amid fierce criticism from leaders representing rural communities. The proposal is included in the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy which was launch…
'He does not care!' Keir Starmer warned over rural backlash as Boxing Day hunts set to get underway
Boxing Day hunts are taking place across the country today as tensions between the Government and rural communities remain high following the announcement of plans to outlaw trail hunting.The Countryside Alliance has cautioned that Sir Keir Starmer faces a substantial challenge in restoring faith with those living in Britain's countryside.Ministers unveiled their animal welfare strategy shortly before Christmas, which includes proposals to prohi…
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