Deal on hunt ban

The final ban on foxhunting will be delayed for up to two more years, the Evening Standard can reveal today.

Ministers have decided to postpone the abolition because they fear mass protests by hunts facing closure during the general election campaign.

The delay has been agreed in a secret deal with Labour MPs in favour of banning hunting. One source said: "No Labour MP wants a huntmaster dumping his hounds at his surgery during an election run-up, nor for surplus dogs to be put down as people vote.

"There is a real risk of unpleasant disorder from the prohunting lobby if the temperature rises in a campaign period."

The two-year period has been chosen because it extends beyond the last possible date for a general election to be held, in late summer 2006. Tony Blair would prefer to go to the polls next May but wants to be prepared for contingencies.

Labour's promise to ban hunting in its 1997 manifesto has come to haunt Mr Blair, who has never appeared wholeheartedly in favour. He faced accusations of giving in to Left-wingers and bowing to the animal welfare lobby in return for a £1million donation. But ministers feared the backlash in country areas and failed to implement the promised ban in its first term.

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