Baroness Hayman Sticks to Manifesto Promise on Trail Hunting Ban

TL;DR: Baroness Hayman insists the trail‑hunting ban is a manifesto duty, yet the King’s Speech on 13 May probably won’t list it.

Context The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) faces pressure from hunting groups as it prepares legislation to end trail hunting. Trail hunting involves hounds following an artificial scent, a practice critics say masks illegal hare hunting. The issue resurfaces as the government readies its parliamentary programme.

Key Facts Baroness Hayman, Defra minister responsible for animal welfare, told hunting representatives that her primary responsibility is to fulfil the party’s manifesto commitment to ban trail hunting. She framed the pledge as a duty that removes the need for further justification. While acknowledging the social and cultural importance of hunts, she clarified that the policy does not target drag hunting, clean‑boot hunting, or hound trailing – forms of hunting that do not involve live quarry.

The minister also noted that the King’s Speech scheduled for 13 May, which outlines the government’s legislative agenda, is unlikely to include the trail‑hunting ban. This expectation aligns with earlier assessments that the ban is not a priority in the near‑term political timetable.

What It Means Hayman’s stance signals that the government will continue to pursue the ban despite its low profile in the upcoming speech. By separating trail hunting from other traditional forms, the ministry aims to limit backlash from rural communities that value hunting as a cultural activity. However, the absence of the ban from the King’s Speech suggests a delayed rollout, leaving hunt staff and professional riders in a state of uncertainty.

Stakeholders will watch the consultation responses and any subsequent parliamentary debate for clues on timing. The next indicator will be the government’s formal legislative package, expected later in the year, which will reveal whether the manifesto promise translates into law.

*Watch for the release of the detailed hunting legislation and any parliamentary votes that could finally settle the trail‑hunting question.*