Countryside Alliance Criticizes Labour's Plan to Ban Trail Hunting Amid Rural Concerns
A Countryside Alliance poll reveals that 65% of voters believe Labour neglects country communities, with an ORB poll showing that 76% think Labour prioritizes urban issues over rural ones, and only 36% feel Labour cares about the countryside.
Labour's upcoming government animal welfare strategy, set to be published Monday, includes provisions for banning trail hunting, with a consultation on this ban planned for early 2026.
Trail hunting is defended by the Countryside Alliance as contributing more than £100 million annually to the rural economy and maintaining compliance with the Hunting Act 2004.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, accuses Labour of alienating rural people by focusing on taxes affecting family farms and rural businesses rather than policies that benefit rural communities. He urges the government to work with the rural community to rebuild trust.
In response, Defra defends the policy direction, referencing the Batters review and collaboration between industry, farmers, and government. The department highlights reforms including raising the inheritance tax threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million for individuals, and up to £5 million for couples.
Meanwhile, Boxing Day trail hunting events across the UK are expected to attract tens of thousands of participants and supporters amid the ongoing policy debate.
