Peers are gearing up for a final clash with ministers over the Hunting Bill.

Tony Blair is said to be still hoping to find a compromise to end the deadlock and prevent the speaker having to deploy the Parliament Act and force a ban into law.

Baroness Mallalieu, a Labour peer and president of the Countryside Alliance, said: "If they try to use the Parliament Act we go straight into court.

"As soon as royal assent is given there will be a letter to the attorney general and action will begin."