Traditional Boxing Day hunts took place across England on Thursday, as the Countryside Alliance released a poll suggesting that the Labour government is alienating rural communities. The poll, conducted by ORB International, found that 65% of respondents believe the government neglects rural areas, while only 36% agreed that ministers care about people living in the countryside.
The controversy centres on the government’s plan to ban trail hunting, a practice introduced after the 2004 Hunting Act to allow hounds to follow a scent rather than live quarry. Critics argue it is used as a cover for illegal foxhunting. The ban is included in the government’s animal welfare strategy, published on Monday, with a consultation due in early 2026.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, accused the government of having “warped priorities” that have alienated rural people. “Its warped priorities have put taxing family farms, raising rates for rural businesses and banning trail hunting above policies that would benefit rural people,” he said. The row follows a recent partial U-turn on inheritance tax breaks for farms after widespread protest.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs defended the policy, stating it is “committed to banning trail hunting, which is too often used as a cover for illegal foxhunting, and has strong public support across the country.” It also highlighted increased inheritance tax thresholds and collaboration with farmers.
Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, dismissed the idea that the ban is an attack on the countryside. “The same polling shows banning trail hunting narrowly missed being in last place on the list of issues respondents say would influence their vote at the next election,” she said, suggesting the Countryside Alliance’s narrative is out of touch.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who attended a hunt in Kent, accused the government of “ignorance” of rural communities, framing the issue as a culture war. The poll surveyed 2,083 British adults online between 12 and 14 December.
