Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Connor Naismith (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Hunting: Exemptions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (a) what review her Department has undertaken of the exemptions listed in Schedule 1 to the Hunting Act 2004, (b) whether she plans to amend or remove exemptions relating to the stalking and flushing of wild mammals and (c) whether she has considered reviewing the legal definitions of “research and observation” and “rescue of a wild mammal” within the Hunting Act 2004.

Answer

This Government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans in a generation to improve animal welfare and that is exactly what we will do.

This Government is committed to enacting a ban on trail hunting, that truly protects our countryside, wildlife and rural communities. On 26 March, Defra launched a consultation seeking views on how best to deliver an effective and enforceable ban in England and Wales and on any potential social, community, economic, business or environmental impacts. The consultation will be open until 18 June and all responses to it will be considered carefully in developing our proposals.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
5707
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Exemptions Hunting
Legislation
Hunting Act 2004
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk