White House hunt demo

Pro-hunt campaigners targeted Tony Blair in Washington today in a bid to highlight next week's historic vote to ban the sport.

The Masters of Foxhounds Association of America (MFHA) was set to stage a demonstration outside the White House in support of their British counterparts.

Protestors will also picket the Prime Minister's Mansion House speech in the City on Monday, the day before MPs vote on outlawing hunting with hounds.

Parliament will be put on a high security alert. Outright abolition of hunting is now almost certain after it emerged that MPs will not be pressed by the whips to back a compromise plan to license the sport.

Deputy Commons leader Phil Woolas scotched reports that No 10 would pressure the ministerial "payroll" vote to back licensing. A free vote would take place, he said.