GOVERNMENT plans to ban hunting with dogs are driven by class prejudice, the Tory party conference has been told.

Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff made an outspoken attack on Labour at a fringe event hosted by the Middle Way Group.

Mr Luff, who argues hunting should be allowed to continue under strict licensing, said Labour MPs using the issue to take revenge on the countryside.

He claimed: "There is a consensus the legislation we are now faced with is class-based legislation.

"It does not even seek to address animal welfare issues. It is just about getting their own Bill and own way."

Cruelty

Originally, the Government Bill would have allowed the pursuit to continue if huntsmen could satisfy tests on cruelty and utility.

If there was no less cruel way of killing a fox, dogs could have been used.

But Labour MPs gutted the Bill to an outright ban. It has been passed by the House of Commons and is currently in the House of Lords.