Jeremy Hunt joined the Tory leadership race last week and has pledged to lift a ban on fox hunting, declaring the practice an important part of rural ‘heritage’. The former health minister told the Telegraph: “I would vote to repeal the ban on fox hunting. Once there is a majority in parliament that is likely to lift the ban on fox hunting, I would support a vote in parliament.”
He continued: “It is part of the countryside, and we have to recognize that in terms of the balance of the countryside. You know, it’s part of our heritage.”
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He explained that he doesn’t hunt himself, but said he was “glad that people were doing it.”
Hunting of foxes and other wild mammals in England and Wales has been banned since 2004 under legislation introduced by Tony Blair’s Labor government.
Labor has condemned Mr Hunt’s drive to reintroduce fox hunting, calling the practice “barbaric”.
Labor Party chairman Ian Lavery said: “This Tory leadership race is going from bad to worse. We’ve had Johnson’s tax cuts for the rich, a race to the bottom on no-deal Brexit, and now a pledge to bring back this barbaric practice that Labor had proudly banned.”
Hunt lost to Boris Johnson in the 2019 leadership contest and is looking to deliver on his promise of a free vote to lift the ban this time around.
At the time, campaign group League Against Cruel Sports said Mr Hunt was “out of touch with public opinion” by casting his vote.
Mr Hunt told the Sunday Telegraph his leadership plans, saying he was the “only major candidate” who had not worked in Mr Johnson’s government.
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He has vowed to cut corporate taxes from 25 percent to 15 percent and plans to use smart tax cuts to grow the economy.
During his time as Secretary of State, he championed net-zero carbon neutrality and was able to implement politically mainstream climate commitments.
If successful, he has pledged to choose Brexiteer Esther McVey as his deputy.
So what do YOU think? Do you support Jeremy Hunt as Prime Minister as he vows to bring back fox hunting? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below†