Hunt ban will destroy National Trust’s connection to the countryside, politicians warn

‘A social media campaign based on misinformation, unsubstantiated allegations and downright lies’

BANNING drag hunting on National Trust land because of a “conjured-up social media campaign” would “destroy” the charity’s relations with the countryside, Labour and Conservative MPS warn today.

The MPS spoke out as the Trust’s members prepare this weekend to vote on a motion tabled by the League Against Cruel Sports for an outright ban on trail hunting on its land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Since hunting with dogs was banned in 2005, packs of hounds have been licensed by the Trust to engage in trail hunting when they follow bottled fox scent across its land.

The MPS said in a letter to Tim Parker, the Trust’s chairman, that it was “absurd the very same people who were proposing hunting a trail as a humane alternative are seeking its abolition on your property, without it seems any evidence to support their case”.

The letter was signed by eight MPS including Labour’s Kate Hoey, as well as Tories Simon Hart, Sir Nicholas Soames, Richard Drax and Victoria Prentis.

It said: “What makes these [Trust properties] so special is the people who have nurtured them for generations and who understand the complex relationships that exist in rural communities and upon which the Trust depends.

“To destroy these vital relationships simply out of fear of a problem entirely conjured up in a social media campaign would set both a dangerous precedent and achieve nothing. As MPS we are only too well aware of how these campaigns are used to create an impression of a mass movement and to manipulate and intimidate individuals and organisations based on a sustained campaign of misinformation, unsubstantiated allegations and downright lies.”

A National Trust source said: “We’ve not proposed banning trail hunting – the AGM motion has been bought by members. Indeed, trustees have recommended it continues.” The vote is open to the Trust’s five million members.

Philippa King, the acting chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “This letter shows just how out of touch some MPS are with the mood of the country.

“More than eight out of 10 people do not want to see foxes being chased across the countryside and ripped apart by a pack of dogs.”