UK News 21-12-2000 Labour Split Over Fox Hunting who: Foreign Secretary Jack Straw what: Refuses to vote for fox hunting ban where: House of Commons, LONDON when: Yesterday snippet: "Cabinet divisions over fox hunting emerged last night," reports The Guardian`s chief political correspondent Patrick Wintour, "when the home secretary, Jack Straw, told MPs he opposed an outright ban and would instead support the option of tighter licensing of hunts." Mr Straw has angered fellow cabinet members and anti-bloodsport campaigners by "sounding a retreat," says The Independent. Although a majority of MPs supported the Hunting Bill yesterday, their course of action will not be decided till the new year. Mr Straw, who has never voted for a ban on fox hunting in his 21 year career in the Commons, has now pledged his support for the so-called "middle way" - a compromise between an outright ban and self-regulation by hunts. He said there was a "strong case" for statutory regulation, reports The Telegraph, "which would enable account to be taken of the different needs of upland and lowland areas". "The way forward is not in any way clear," says ITN. "It is expected any move to ban hunting will spark fierce opposition in the Lords, making the legislation a possible casualty if a General Election is called in the spring." [... more]

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