Peers plot to block Bill

Peers warned today they were planning to mount a last-ditch attempt to block the Hunting Bill.

Representatives from the three main parties have indicated they will try to amend the Bill when it returns to the Lords next month.

The defiant stand prompted fresh warnings from ministers that they will use the Parliament Act to force the legislation onto the statute book. The government has called on the peers to respect the will of the Commons which passed the third reading by 339 votes to 155 last night.

Rural Affairs minister Alun Michael reiterated the Government's determination to use the Parliament Act to force the Bill through, but added: "I still hope that peers will engage with the Hunting Bill this time around."

But Labour peer Baroness Mallalieu gave warning that the peers will seek to block the Bill. She said peers of "all parties are horrified by what is happening".

Lady Mallalieu also warned there would be legal challenges brought by the Countryside Alliance which says the Bill contravenes the Charter on Human rights as it makes no provision for compensation.

Sources close the Tories in the Lords said they were also working on a blocking strategy.

Ministers are now facing a bruising legislative battle with the peers who may decide to reject last night's amendment which delays the implementation of the hunting ban until 31 July 2006.

As the amendment is not subject to the Parliament Act, the Government could be forced to revert to the original Bill which would see a hunt ban introduced within three months. The timing is crucial for Labour, which is anxious to avoid widespread civil disruption in the run-up to the general election, expected in May next year.