Hunting with dogs should be consigned to history

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Sep 2004

Carshalton and Wallington Lib Dem MP Tom Brake will be voting for a ban on fox-hunting in today's ten hour marathon debate.

He explained, "I oppose hunting with dogs because it is cruel. I will be voting for a ban effective from the 31st July 2006 at the latest. This will give the hunts the time to switch to drag-hunting and ensure that only one further season of hunting with dogs is possible."

"Although an earlier ban would clearly be preferable from an animal welfare point of view, the reality is that this compromise might well secure a more effective ban and less resistance from hunters, many of whom have stated their intention to continue hunting, regardless of the change in law."