Overview
- Thousands turned out at traditional meets across England, with hunt organisers and supporters vowing to resist the proposed ban.
- Defra said the policy has strong public backing and reiterated the government’s commitment to end trail hunting as part of its animal welfare strategy.
- Polling by ORB International of 2,083 adults (Dec 12–14) found 65% believe the government neglects rural communities and 76% think it prioritises urban issues.
- The Countryside Alliance argues hunts contribute over £100 million a year to the rural economy and says the government has alienated rural people.
- The government recently raised the individual inheritance tax threshold for estates to £2.5 million, a partial U-turn that rural groups say has not repaired trust.