Blair backs down over foxhunting
23 July 1999
Blair backs down over foxhunting
TONY BLAIR is in retreat on his commitment to outlaw foxhunting, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The prime ministers spokesman raised doubts about whether Mr Blairs target of publishing legislation for a ban before the summer recess can be met, says the paper.
It suggests the apparent climb-down has taken place because of fears about antagonising the country vote.
The paper also suggests that Mr Blair originally made his firm commitment to ban fox-hunting as a ploy to win the initiative in run-up to the Eddisbury by-election.
The Conservatives won the by-election which was held yesterday and the paper says Mr Blair now feels “his remarks went further than he originally intended”.
Meanwhile, The Herald reports that the governing Scottish coalition will vote freely when a Bill to ban hunting goes before the Scottish parliament.
- Blair joins the chase for Eddisbury, FWi, 21 July, 1999
- Hunt ban plan pays off for Labour, FWi, 16 July, 1999
- The Daily Telegraph 23/07/99 page 2