Tony Blair is facing the prospect of a general election campaign overshadowed by pro-hunting protests as peers suggested they would rather have an "honest ban" than an 18-month delay just to help the prime minister.

Downing Street said Blair was still hoping to find a compromise to end the deadlock between the Commons and Lords and prevent the speaker, Michael Martin, having to deploy the Parliament Act and force a ban into law.

Stakeholder Response: International Fund for Animal Welfare

Phyllis Campbell-McRae, director of IFAW