A total ban on hunting will take effect from next February, bringing and end to the 700-year-old pursuit.

Commons Speaker Michael Martin invoked the Parliament Act on Thursday evening, ensuring the Hunting Bill will now make it onto the statute book.

The Lords had earlier voted to reject a bid to delay the ban until July 2006.

The prime minister warned that the legislation now faces a series of court challenges.

In addition to fox hunting, deer hunting and hare coursing with dogs will also be outlawed in England and Wales.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday afternoon, the prime minister signalled his regret that no compromise deal had been possible.

"It was not possible to find a compromise in parliament. The action will no doubt now transfer to the courts," he said.