The prime minister has ordered a delay of two years for the planned ban on hunting with dogs to become law.

The move is aimed at mitigating any backlash from rural England until after a general election.

Alun Michael, the rural affairs minister, confirmed that the government will bring back the Hunting Bill next Wednesday and ask the Commons to approve all of its stages in a single day.

Ministers will then ask the Speaker to invoke the Parliament Act to force it into law in the face of likely opposition from the Lords.

Phyllis Campbell-McRae, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare UK, said: "We are extremely concerned about a two-year delay. This is about ending cruelty to animals and any delay will prolong their suffering."