The Conservative party is opposed to the ban. Michael Ancram, the Tory chairman, accused Mr Blair of ravaging the countryside. Mal Treharne, Countryside Alliance spokesman for south-west England, said the form of resistance to any attempt to change the present legislation would depend on the government's timetable and on how it intended to proceed. David Thavenot, chairman and joint master of the Dart Vale and South Pool Harriers, said the prime minister's comments had touched a nerve with people in the countryside. There would be an enormous groundswell if they became real proposals.
People are angry.
They feel misunderstood and interfered with. It is extremely sad that urban Labour MPs are seeking to impose their misguided views on the rural population. A ban would hit vets, farriers, hoteliers and livery stable owners as well as those directly employed by the hunts.