Will MPs fudge the fox-hunting fury

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THOUSANDS of hunt followers ignored freezing weather over the Christmas holidays to show of support for fox-hunting.

Hunt supporters claimed that more than 325,000 people turned out at 300 meets. But there were some violent clashes as anti blood sports protestors demonstrated against the hunts.

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��Press Association

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Political analysts feel that the Government is signalling a climb down and that MPs, despite their angry comments to the newspapers, will choose compromise rather than confrontations.

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In the New Year there will be a free vote on fox-hunting, when MPs can opt for one of three options including a total ban on the practise. These are: an almost total ban on hunting with dogs; compulsory licensing of hunts; or self-regulation.

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And while there is not denying the strength of feeling outside the House of Commons, many fear that MPs will simply vote for half measures that will leave the issue clinging desperately and controversially on for years to come.

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In the House of Commons, the Tories claim that Labour’s hatred of hunting is more a class war than a war of natural justice. Labour says it is purely about issues of cruelty and animal rights.

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According to former Labour Sports Minister, Tony Banks, fox hunting is about "entertaining human beings. I don't believe human beings should be entertained by cruelty to animals."

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For the Tories, Michael Heseltine warned: "There are angry men and women out there - angry that their traditional, historic practices are to be swept aside. The fact is that there are deep class resentments based in the anti-hunting lobby."

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Conservative home affairs spokesman, David Lidington, claimed up to 7,000 full time jobs would be at stake.

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But now there are suspicions that all the passionate debate is will prove little more than hot air as parliamentary posturing gives way to a compromise that will please no on-one.

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In the cities and the shires, the feelings between townies and countryfolk is as passionate as ever, but will the MPs take the easy way out