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Commons votes for hunt ban
MPs last night voted to ban hunting with hounds although hunters will secure an 18 month reprieve.
The battle now goes to the House of Lords where peers are set to fiercely resist the ban.
The prime minister failed to attend either of the crunch Commons votes, although the overall ban was carried by a majority of 190.
Hunters and those who work in associated sectors will have until 2006 to find an alternative pursuit.
Ministers had hoped for a two year delay, although MPs voted to reduce this to 18 months.
By delaying the introduction of a ban the government hoped scenes of angry clashes between hunters and the police would be delayed until after the general election.
However pro-hunt groups appear set to fight the measure all the way and will make the ban a central issue of the general election campaign.
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