Trail-hunting

Debate between Baroness Mallalieu and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Wednesday 18th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I reassure the noble Baroness and all noble Lords that, when I look at future policy and legislation as part of my role as a Minister, it is incredibly important that everything is evidence-led and, where scientific evidence is needed, that we take the most up-to-date scientific evidence into account.

[Baroness Mallalieu (Lab)]

My Lords, I come from a disadvantaged area where a ban on trail-hunting will be seen as a punch in the stomach by people who have already endured a considerable amount of distress as a result of other government policies. Some 20 years ago, after this House passed the Hunting Act, the then Prime Minister regretted what had happened and particularly regretted having to spend 700 hours of parliamentary time on that legislation instead of on his priorities. He asked, “Why was I not told?” Please can the Minister go back and tell the current Prime Minister the same?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

As I said, this is a manifesto commitment and it is my responsibility to deliver it. On the other concerns that my noble friend raised, we will start the consultation soon. I encourage people to look at it and take part, because it will be comprehensive.

Animal Welfare Strategy: Rural Communities

Debate between Baroness Mallalieu and Baroness Hayman of Ullock

Thursday 12th February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Mallalieu (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare my interests as a farmer, president of the Countryside Alliance and long-standing member of the RSPCA. In my rural community and many others, if you have dead stock on your farm or a badly injured animal which needs to be put down, you ring the hunt kennels, which operate the national fallen stock scheme and, 24/7, they send a trained and efficient member of staff to end the animal’s suffering and remove the body. If the Government were to persist with their ill-advised commitment to ban lawful trail hunting, which is not about animal welfare but about dislike of people, what are their proposals to replace the system for relief of animal suffering? It is currently carried out by the hunts, and I think none of those who are pressing for the ban have volunteered to do it.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

I am very aware that fallen stock is managed in that way. I am so sorry, but I am going to sound really boring today. A consultation will be starting shortly where all these issues can be fed in. I am very serious about this, and I want to do it properly, so I want to hear all concerns from all quarters.