MPs are steeling themselves for what is likely to be one of the most impassioned debates of the new parliament, with the news that the Government is planning a vote on whether to modify the Hunting Act to allow the widespread return of fox hunting.
The vote, which was promised in the Conservative manifesto, would substantially loosen restrictions on hunting with hounds.
It would remove the "two dog limit" and allow the "flushing and shooting" of foxes using packs of hounds - but would keep traditional hunting illegal,
It is a measure that will appeal to traditionalists in Tory rank