VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Hunting: Exemptions

Asked by Connor NaismithLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 10 June 2026UIN 5707

The 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.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

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.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim