Hunt supporters across England have pledged a fierce battle against Sir Keir Starmer's government over its plan to outlaw trail hunting, as thousands turned out for traditional Boxing Day meets. The announcement of the proposed ban, made just days before the festive events, has sparked significant resentment in rural areas, compounded by recent changes to agricultural inheritance tax relief.
Rural Communities Feel 'Under Assault'
The Countryside Alliance pressure group accused the Labour administration of having "alienated rural people". This sentiment is echoed in a recent poll by ORB International, which found that 65% of voters believe the government unfairly neglects country communities. The survey, conducted between December 12 and 14 with 2,083 British adults, also suggested only 36% agree the government cares about those living in the countryside.
One of the largest gatherings took place on the Duke of Beaufort's estate near Badminton, Gloucestershire. Addressing a large crowd, Will Bryer, joint master of the Duke of Beaufort Hunt, declared the countryside was "under assault and siege". He warned the government would have a "fight" on its hands that would get "messy", and urged supporters not to stop believing in the future of hunting.
Hunts Defend Tradition and Economic Contribution
At the Grove Rufford Hunt in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, chairman and master Jane Bowen spoke of a "wonderful turnout" demonstrating enduring popularity. She criticised the government for "bombarding farmers with legislation" and being against rural communities. Ms Bowen emphasised that hunts have legally adapted to trail hunting over the last 20 years since the Hunting Act 2004 and pleaded: "Please leave us alone."
The Countryside Alliance defended the practice, stating it was introduced to comply with the existing ban on fox hunting. The group claims hunts contribute more than £100 million annually to the rural economy. The government's new animal welfare strategy, launched shortly before Christmas, aims to ban trail hunting over concerns it acts as a smokescreen for illegal foxhunting. A consultation on how to implement the ban is set for early 2026.
Government Defends Policy Amid Growing Tension
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, stated that in 18 months, the government had "created the clear impression that it does not care about the countryside". He said its priorities of taxing family farms and banning trail hunting showed "warped priorities".
In response, a Defra spokeswoman defended the government's stance: "This Government is committed to banning trail hunting, which is too often used as a cover for illegal fox hunting, and has strong public support across the country." She pointed to increased inheritance tax thresholds and greater police powers to prevent dog attacks on livestock as evidence of support for rural areas. The government also committed to collaboration following the Batters Review of the agricultural sector.
Despite a partial U-turn on inheritance tax changes, the announcement has solidified a perception of urban prioritisation, with 76% of poll respondents believing the government focuses on city issues over rural ones. The stage is set for a protracted conflict between Westminster and the countryside in the new year.
