Lords set to reject bill to ban hunting

The House of Lords is preparing for a showdown with the Government this week with peers promising to throw out plans for a total ban on hunting.

A cross-party coalition in the Upper House has said it will press ahead with moves to amend the Hunting Bill despite ministers' warnings.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael has said the Government will use the Parliament Act to steamroll a complete ban onto the statute book.

But the threat has been ignored by the peers who are expected to vote tomorrow in favour of a licensing system.

The move is designed to embarrass the Government which originally suggested a licensing system two years ago - the move was defeated by backbenchers. The bill is expected to return to the Commons on 17 November.