Labour MPs demand hunting vote

Labour MPs opposed to fox hunting today urged the Government to stick with the issue despite the need to clear Commons time for anti-terrorist legislation.

They spoke out after ministers warned that some planned measures must be scrapped or postponed to make way for emergency Bills. A group of 203 MPs, including more than half of Labour's backbenchers, demanded the right to vote on a hunting ban.

Worcester MP Michael Foster, a leader of the campaign, said: " Everyone is mindful of the need for legislation with regard to the events of 11 September, but that does not have to be at the expense of the hunting Bill. The Labour manifesto made it clear that they were committed to revisit this issue, and it was included in the Queen's speech." Last week, Leader of the Commons Robin Cook suggested hunting legislation was likely to fall victim to the deck-clearing exercise.

The MPs made their point in a Commons early-day motion, which cannot be debated or become law. Among those signing up were sacked Chief Whip Ann Taylor and former Health Secretary Frank Dobson. Tory Ann Widdecombe also lent her support.

The motion praised the Scottish Parliament for pressing ahead with plans to ban hunting north of the border, and called on the Government to "honour the manifesto pledge in respect of England and Wales".