Tens of thousands gather for hunts amid tensions with Labour leader
Tens of thousands of hunt supporters gathered across Britain today, rallying against recent announcements from the government regarding trail hunting regulations, reports BritPanorama.
Large crowds assembled on village greens and town squares to partake in the festive Boxing Day meets, a longstanding tradition. One notable gathering occurred on the Duke of Beaufort’s estate near Badminton, Gloucestershire, where thousands watched as horses and hounds took to the trails.
This event coincided with the Prime Minister’s commitment to ban trail hunting as part of a broader animal welfare initiative. New polling indicated widespread sentiment among voters, with over two-thirds feeling that Labour has neglected rural interests, while 76% believe that the government prioritizes urban issues over rural concerns.
Will Bryer, joint master of the Duke of Beaufort Hunt, voiced strong opposition to the government’s stance, describing the countryside as being “under assault and siege.” He warned that the government would face significant pushback regarding the trail hunting ban, asserting that the situation was likely to become contentious as supporters stand united against the proposed changes.
“It is somewhat ironic, is it not, that the Government choose to announce their intentions to destroy trail hunting just at a time of year when we reaffirm our beliefs,” Bryer stated. He insisted that the government’s actions would lead to a messy confrontation with those supporting the tradition.
The Countryside Alliance echoed these sentiments, highlighting Boxing Day as a key date in the hunting calendar. They estimated that tens of thousands participated in around 200 hunt meets across regions including Essex, Shropshire, and North Yorkshire, contributing over £100 million annually to the rural economy.
Trail hunting was developed in response to the 2004 Hunting Act, which prohibited hunting with live animals. It mimics traditional hunting by using a scent dragged by a human for dogs to follow. Critics, including government officials and animal rights groups, contend that it serves as a façade for illegal hunting practices.
Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner remarked on the government’s relationship with rural communities, critiquing Labour’s perceived neglect. “Its warped priorities have put taxing family farms and banning trail hunting above policies that would benefit rural people,” he stated, emphasizing the need for cooperative policies rather than legislation that alienates rural communities.
An Environment Department spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to banning trail hunting, arguing that it has been used too frequently as a cover for illegal fox hunting, and noted that there is strong public support for this move. The spokesperson also referenced ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing animal welfare, including greater powers for police to prevent dog attacks on livestock.
The moment reflects broader tensions between government directives and rural traditions, as well as the challenges faced by political leaders in addressing diverse constituencies across the United Kingdom.
