BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly today condemned the actions of pro-hunt Conservative MPs who used delaying tactics to destroy Michael Foster's Hunting with Dogs Bill.

Speaking from the Commons after the debate, an angry Ms Kelly said: "Those MPs on the Opposition benches who used underhand tactics to defeat this Bill should be ashamed. They numbered a tiny minority but still went out to defeat a Bill which has more than 70pc support from the British people and overwhelming support in Parliament. "One Conservative Member tabled an unbelievable 100 amendments to ensure it ran out of time which is simply unforgivable. They have shown a total disregard of the democratic process and flouted the will of the majority of Parliament to pursue their own narrow-minded interests."

"It is a sad day for everyone who fought hard to support this Bill. I have received hundreds of letters from constituents in support of a ban and I would urge them to now write to their local Conservative Party and councillors and tell them just what they think of their party's actions."

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