A Conservative MP faced an angry confrontation with a hunt saboteur during what should have been a routine constituency visit in Hertfordshire. Bim Afolami, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, was approached by an anti-hunting activist in the village of Preston, near Hitchin.
The dramatic encounter was captured on video, showing the moment the saboteur challenged the MP about his voting record on fox hunting legislation. The footage shows the activist demanding to know why Mr Afolami had voted against amendments to the Hunting Act.
In the heated exchange, the saboteur can be heard saying: "You voted against an amendment to the Hunting Act that would have actually prevented the chasing and killing of British mammals." The MP responded by questioning whether the man was a local constituent.
MP Defends His Position
Mr Afolami, who represents Hitchin and Harpenden, defended his voting record during the confrontation. "I voted in favour of strengthening the Hunting Act," he insisted, though the saboteur immediately contradicted this claim.
The Economic Secretary attempted to de-escalate the situation, stating: "I'm very happy to have a conversation with you, but I'm not going to have a conversation with you like this." However, the activist continued to press him on the issue.
Background of the Hunting Act
The Hunting Act 2004 made hunting wild mammals with dogs illegal in England and Wales, but the legislation has remained controversial. Hunt saboteur groups frequently monitor hunts they suspect of breaking the law, often leading to tense standoffs.
This incident comes amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the current legislation and whether it needs strengthening. Animal welfare campaigners argue that loopholes in the law allow hunting to continue under the guise of "trail hunting."
The confrontation highlights the continued passion surrounding hunting legislation in rural constituencies, even two decades after the Hunting Act was passed.
