DORSET MPs have reacted strongly to an announcement that there is to be a free vote on whether to ban fox hunting.

The vote next Wednesday could lead to a ban coming into effect in two years' time as the government has made clear it is determined to quash any opposition in the House of Lords.

The two-year delay in outlawing fox-hunting would allow time for rural communities to cope with the impact of the changes, said rural affairs minister Alun Michael.

Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said: "I shall be voting to ban fox hunting because I think that it is a practice that is outdated for the 21st century.

"Most of the country agrees hunting is not the most efficient way of dealing with foxes."

Jim Knight, Labour MP for South Dorset, said: "I would vote to ban fox hunting and hare coursing and stag hunting as well.

"I don't believe sport should involve the cruel death of animals."

Bournemouth East MP David Atkinson is one of a minority of Conservative MPs to support the ban. But Sir John Butterfill, Tory MP for Bournemouth West, said he would vote to keep hunting.

He criticised the government for abandoning plans to allow some hunting subject to controls.

He said: "I think what the government is proposing to do is outrageous. Tens of thousands of people will be affected. And they don't propose any alternative to controlling the fox population."

First published: Sept 10