Boxing Day hunt hailed as unifying force for rural communities as MP vows 'to do whatever we can' to defend tradition

The annual tradition involves trailing an artificial animal-based scent in the countryside, letting the hunting dogs follow, who are then pursued by a pack of hunters on horseback.

Labour ministers unveiled their animal welfare strategy shortly before Christmas, which included proposals to prohibit trail hunting amid concerns the practice serves as a cover for illegal foxhunting.

But the proposal has been met with rampant retaliation from politicians up and down Britain while MPs join in on the annual festive fun.

"What we've got to do is whatever we can to make sure that this continues," Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who serves as the MP for North Cotswolds, told Will Godley.

He continued: "Look at the vast numbers of crowds enjoying themselves.

"It would be absolutely tragic if this did not continue. So I am here to support in any way I can and make sure that this tradition continues because it is the glue that glues the countryside together.

"You know, the whole countryside evolved because of hunting.

"The woods were planted up. The fields were as they are because of hunting. And we have got to make sure this tradition continues."

Meanwhile, Oliver, who organised the hunt in Oxfordshire, said: "I'd be totally appalled. And I don't think it's going to happen.

"We've been doing this for hundreds of years. It's a huge part of my life and a huge part of a lot of people in the countryside. It's a massive part of life for families.

"We're the gel of the rural community.

"We're hunting within the law, a law that the Labour Government put in in 2004. We hunt within the Hunting Act. We're doing nothing wrong.

"And I think it's a travesty that they're trying to attack us again."

Issuing a direct plea to Labour, he added: "Please listen to us. We might be a minority, but if you see the tens of thousands of people who've come out to support us today on Boxing Day, that far outweighs the people that can be bothered to come out and oppose us.

"I think we are a very important part of this country. It's a tradition that needs to carry on into the future."

George, who attended the hunt to watch the spectacle of it all, told GB News: "I've been happy because everyone else is happy.

"I've seen the hounds and they look like they're having a really fun time. And it's just a really nice day out after Christmas."

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said: “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.

"This builds on previous animal welfare reforms delivered by this Government, including giving police greater powers to prevent dog attacks on livestock, protecting farmers and animals alike.

"The Batters Review highlighted the need for greater collaboration between industry, farmers and government - and that is exactly what we will do.

"We have increased the individual inheritance tax threshold from £1million to £2.5million, meaning couples with estates of up to £5million will pay no inheritance tax."

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