Keir Starmer's government faces mounting criticism from rural communities after announcing plans to ban trail hunting days before traditional Boxing Day hunts across England. The Countryside Alliance has warned the Labour administration it has "alienated rural people" with policies critics say prioritize urban areas over the countryside.
ORB International conducted a poll between 12 and 14 December that found 76% of 2,083 British adults surveyed believe the government prioritizes urban issues over rural ones. Only 36% agreed or strongly agreed that the Labour government cares about rural people. The Countryside Alliance cited these figures as evidence that 65% of voters think the administration unfairly neglects country communities.
Farage joins Boxing Day hunt
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attended a Boxing Day hunt at Chiddingstone Castle in Kent today, directly challenging the government's planned ban. He criticized the move on social media over the weekend: "So now Labour wants to ban trail hunting. You might as well ban walking dogs in the countryside as they chase rabbits, hares, deer and foxes. Labour are authoritarian control freaks."
Tens of thousands of people attended Boxing Day trail hunts across England, including the traditional Tynedale Hunt at Corbridge Market Place in Northumberland.
The hunts took place as the government launched its animal welfare strategy shortly before Christmas, which includes provisions to ban trail hunting.
Government defends ban
Environment Minister Baroness Hayman defended the planned ban: "In our manifesto we said we would ban trail hunting, and that's exactly what we'll do. There is evidence that trail hunting is being used as a smokescreen for the hunting of wild animals and that's not acceptable." She announced a consultation will run in the new year. The government plans to launch the consultation in early 2026.
A Defra spokesperson emphasized the government's commitment: "This government is committed to banning trail hunting, which is too often used as a cover for illegal fox hunting, and has strong public support across the country." The spokesperson highlighted that the policy builds on previous animal welfare reforms, including enhanced police powers to prevent dog attacks on livestock.
Rural backlash intensifies
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, issued a sharp rebuke to the Prime Minister. "When Keir Starmer said that he 'wanted a new relationship with the countryside' we all assumed he meant a better one, but in 18 months his government has alienated rural people and created the clear impression that it does not care about the countryside," he said.
Bonner continued: "Its warped priorities have put taxing family farms, raising rates for rural businesses and banning trail hunting above policies that would benefit rural people." The criticism comes amid lingering resentment in farming communities over inheritance tax changes, despite a partial government U-turn.
The Countryside Alliance argues that trail hunts contribute more than £100 million annually to the rural economy. Bonner warned: "The government has a very long way to go to rebuild trust."
Background on trail hunting
Trail hunting was introduced as a practice to comply with the Hunting Act 2004, which banned pursuing foxes. The practice involves following pre-laid scents with hounds, distinct from traditional fox hunting.
The rural backlash also stems from earlier tensions over inheritance tax. The government has increased the individual inheritance tax threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million, meaning couples with estates up to £5 million will pay no inheritance tax. A Defra spokesperson referenced the Batters review — conducted by former National Farmers' Union president Baroness Minette Batters — which highlighted the need for greater collaboration between industry, farmers and government.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
