Foster: stirring up debate

Michael Foster outlines his desire to ban fox hunting

Government Refuses To Back Anti-Fox Hunting Bill

Mr Foster, a long-standing opponent of blood sports, was drawn first in the annual ballot for a slot in the Commons timetable and announced his decision at a Westminster news conference.

But even before he had formally announced the title of the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill, Downing Street was indicating it would not get any help from the Government. "It will take its course as a private member's bill," a spokesman said. "If the Government has to take an attitude on this it will take it in the context of its other priorities."

The bill is scheduled to have its second reading in November when it will be debated and voted upon by the House of Commons for the first time.

The lack of Government backing, however, means it has only a slim chance of getting onto the statute books. Opponents will now have the opportunity to talk out the bill, ensuring it fails for lack of Parliamentary time.

Hunters hoping for a free vote

Anti-blood sports campaigners were hoping that the Government would fulfill its manifesto promise to allow a free vote on the issue.

Mr Foster has the backing of more than 170 MPs who have backed a Commons motion calling for the "immediate outlawing of hunting with hounds".

The Government had hoped to delay such a high-profile debate so early in its tenure, particularly to avoid confrontation with the House of Lords, where the sport has many supporters.

Mr Foster, a new MP, said he was well aware what a fiery debate he may be stirring up. He has denied claims that Government whips have used strong arm tactics to get him to drop the anti-hunting measure because of opposition in the Lords.

However he admitted he had "only been in the job for six weeks", and had taken a lot of advice from the party's whips.