Hunting Politics
What the Three Parties Say About a Repeal on the ‘Ban’
TMV asked the three main political parties to state exactly what their party policy is with regard to the Hunting Act 2004, and any proposals for a repeal of the Act. TMV remains A-political: we publish these statements verbatim, to inform our readers.
Two major components are needed to bring about a repeal:
- Government time must be made available for a Free Vote
- A majority of the MPs elected must be in favour of a repeal.
NB: All three political parties made it clear a General Election Manifesto would not be drawn up until within a few weeks of a General Election.
Conservative Party Policy on the Hunting Act 2004
"The Conservative Party is fully committed to having a free vote on the Hunting Act 2004 in Government time.
“It will be brought back into the Houses of Parliament for a free vote, so there would be no party whip. The result would depend entirely on the response of those who have been elected, and the make up of Parliament on the day.
“This has been our official party policy since the hunting ban came into force. It would be DEFRA looking after this commitment and taking it through the 'House'."
Conservative Press Spokeswoman
Millbank, London
“I'm in favour of the freedom to hunt. I think the law was a great mistake and the position we (Conservatives) had at the last Election was absolutely right - that we should give the Commons the chance to think again in Government time. People said the law would look a complete imbecile, and it does."
The Hon. David Cameron MP
"A Conservative Government would introduce a bill to give parliament the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act."
Jim Paice MP
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs
“Our position on this has been clear since 2004: a Conservative Government would introduce a bill in Government time to give MPs the opportunity to overturn the ban. Jim, David Cameron and Michael Howard before him have all made this pledge.
David Scott
Chief of Staff to the Shadow DEFRA TeamResearcher to Jim Paice MP, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Labour Party Policy on the Hunting Act 2004
“The Government is satisfied that the Hunting Act is working and is legally sound. The Government has no plans to introduce any changes to the legislation.
"The Hunting Act 2004 was introduced to end a practice which a clear majority of people across the country do not support on the grounds that it causes unnecessary suffering. The Government is satisfied that the Hunting Act 04 is working, is legally sound, and the police have made it clear that they will enforce the hunting ban.
"The Association of Chief Police Officers have issued guidance on the practical aspects of enforcing the Act and have reminded forces of the need to refer all offences under the Hunting Act to the Crown Prosecution Service at an early stage."
Linda Scott
Senior Press Officer, Rural Affairs, Natural Resources and Fisheries Desk Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Liberal Democrats Party Policy on the Hunting Act 2004
"The Liberal Democrats supported the hunting ban and will continue to do so, including opposing any attempts to repeal the ban. However, we recognise this is a matter of conscience and MPs would be given a free vote in such a debate.
"At the time of the Hunting Act Andrew George proposed an amendment to the Hunting Act to compensate those whose livelihoods would be directly affected. In government, the Liberal Democrats would consider introducing a compensation package on this basis if there was compelling evidence this had occurred.
"Party manifestos are written closer to the election and set out what the party will do in government, not just general policy. Given the general election is some way off I am unable to provide you with any precise wording from the Liberal Democrat manifesto. As this is a closed issue, in so much as the Act has passed and we supported it, it is unlikely it will be included as a manifesto commitment. Policy will, however, remain to oppose any attempts to repeal the ban."
Kate Webb
Communications OfficerLiberal Democrats