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15 hunt protestors held
Sep 16 2004
The Bill to ban fox-hunting and hare-coursing in England and Wales arrives in the House of Lords today after winning overwhelming support from MPs last night.
Additional armed police will be on patrol within the Palace of Westminster after an unprecedented breach of security yesterday, when five pro-hunting protesters burst onto the floor of the House of Commons as MPs debated the Bill.
Eight men - including Otis Ferry, the son of rock star Bryan Ferry - were today being quizzed by police about the dramatic protest, which happened as thousands of huntsmen and women took part in a noisy and sometimes violent demonstration outside Parliament (pictured).
And an internal investigation is underway to identify a parliamentary pass-holder who is believed to have guided the men towards the Commons chamber.
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Speaker Michael Martin said that police would be positioned around the Commons chamber today to prevent a repeat of yesterday's intrusion. All security staff leave has been cancelled.
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Last night's 190-vote majority in favour of hunting put MPs on collision course with peers, who last year blocked an earlier effort to outlaw blood sports.
There is a clear majority in favour of keeping hunting in the Upper House, but the Government has left no doubt that any attempt to derail the Bill will be quashed by the invocation of the Parliament Act.
The Act allows the Commons to overrule the Lords if it rejects a piece of legislation approved by MPs in two successive sessions.
Rural affairs minister Alun Michael last night said it would be a matter for MPs to decide in a free vote in the Commons whether to invoke the Act.
He urged peers not to attempt to obstruct the Bill, saying: "I hope the House of Lords will engage with it and amend it as they see fit and send it back to us."
JP 'will quit' if hunt ban passes 14 September 2004
A Staffordshire magistrate and hunt follower was yesterday considering whether he would give up his post and break the law if the Commons voted to ban hunting.
Pro-hunt lobby set for demo 9 September 2004
Hunt supporters look set to stage a major demonstration outside Parliament next Wednesday after the Government confirmed that MPs will vote then on whether to ban fox-hunting.
Ferry's son hunting for a career 22 March 2004
It has divided rural and urban communities, spawned endless debates and led to violent encounters. Otis Ferry, however, has no doubts about which side he is on when it comes to fox hunting.
Hunters pledge revolt 21 October 2003
Hunt supporters have threatened a mass revolt across the Midland countryside if the Government goes ahead with its plans to ban the controversial sport.
