Blair to escape hunting pledge?

31 May 2000



Blair to escape hunting pledge?

TONY BLAIR is looking for “an escape route” from his pledge to ban foxhunting, claims The Times.

He is expected to resist both backbench attempts to outlaw hunting and proposals to include the measure in the next Queens Speech or manifesto.

The Times says Mr Blair is concerned a ban would alienate rural voters and sections of the media.

Meanwhile, businessmen want to relocate Britains most prestigious hunts to Romania, should a ban be introduced.

Horses, hounds and staff would be based in Romania and package deals offered to frustrated hunters, reports The Times.

• The Times 31/05/2000