Overview
- Tens of thousands turned out for Boxing Day meets across England and Wales, with hunt leaders telling crowds they will "fight" the proposals.
- Defra restated its commitment to end trail hunting, arguing it is too often used as a cover for illegal foxhunting and saying the move has strong public support.
- A public consultation is scheduled for early 2026 to determine how the ban will be implemented as part of the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy.
- An ORB International poll of 2,083 adults (Dec 12–14) found 65% think Labour neglects rural communities, with 76% saying ministers prioritise urban issues.
- Nigel Farage appeared at a Kent meet and vowed to oppose the policy, while rural groups linked the plan to wider discontent despite a recent rise in farm inheritance tax thresholds to £2.5 million.