Overview
- Large crowds turned out at hundreds of meets across England and Wales, with supporters framing the gatherings as a show of support for a rural tradition and opponents staging counter-protests.
- The Countryside Alliance cited ORB polling that 65% of voters think the Labour government neglects rural communities, 76% see urban priorities taking precedence, and 36% say ministers care about countryside residents.
- Hunt leaders pledged to resist the policy, with figures such as Will Bryer warning of a determined fight and Nigel Farage telling supporters he will oppose the proposed ban.
- Defra reaffirmed the commitment to end trail hunting, citing public support, enforcement concerns highlighted in the Batters review, and recent animal-welfare measures to protect livestock.
- The consultation will set out how a ban would be implemented in England and Wales, as rural unease persists following a partial U-turn that raised farm inheritance tax thresholds.