Enact the Will of the Commons Now, Say Anti-Hunt Campaigners
Following the votes in both Houses this week on the future of hunting with dogs, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons tomorrow.
Campaigning to Protect Hunted Animals - the RSPCA, League Against Cruel Sports and International Fund for Animal Welfare - is calling for the immediate reintroduction of the existing Hunting Bill.
Douglas Batchelor, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: "The only sensible statement that Alun Michael can make is to announce the reintroduction of the Hunting Bill as soon as possible with a commitment to use the Parliament Act if necessary.
"This government Bill has already been passed by the Commons. It was drafted by the Home Office and it has been subject to more than 60 hours of debate, as well as scrutiny by legal experts and welfare groups.
"This Bill will do the job and would save many thousands of animals' lives. There is no point in wasting any more time on this issue. The view of MPs and the public is clear in support of a ban. If the Bill is reintroduced then the ban on hunting would be on the statute books by November."