British fox hunting ban is near
From ANIMAL PEOPLE, July/August 2003:
LONDON–The British House of Commons on July 9, 2003 voted
317-145 in favor of a national ban on fox hunting, a week after
voting 363-154 to enact a total ban instead of a compromise that
would allow some hunting to continue for predator control.
The votes brought close to fulfillment the 1997 election
promise of Prime Minister Tony Blair to ban fox hunting if the Labour
Party won the Parliamentary majority. Blair and Labour have led the
government ever since, but have put other matters ahead of the
proposed hunting ban, while anti-hunting private members’ bills have
cleared the Commons only to die in the House of Lords.
The Hunting Bill, now presented with the full support of the
Blair government, is scheduled for second reading by the Lords on
September 17, followed by detailed review in October. The Lords,
who hold their seats by heredity rather than election, can amend and
delay legislation. The anti-fox hunting Commons majority, however,
has become strong enough to override the Lords.