Labour Faces Backlash Over Plan to Ban Trail Hunting

As Boxing Day hunts continue, debates intensify over Labour's pledge to outlaw trail hunting, seen by critics as a cover for illegal fox hunting.

Labour has reaffirmed its commitment to banning trail hunting, arguing it is used as a loophole to continue illegal fox hunting despite the 2004 Hunting Act.
The Countryside Alliance and rural advocates criticize the proposed ban, calling it unnecessary and harmful to rural communities that rely on hunting traditions for social and economic cohesion.
Anti-hunting groups, including the League Against Cruel Sports, claim trail hunting is a 'smokescreen' for illegal hunting and point to hundreds of reported incidents involving foxes and other wildlife being harmed.
Supporters of trail hunting argue it is a legal activity that fosters rural community ties and provides jobs, warning that further restrictions could deepen divisions between urban and rural populations.
The debate highlights broader tensions between Labour and rural voters, with critics accusing the party of using hunting policy to appeal to urban and animal welfare-focused constituencies.