Five years ago this country banned foxhunting. We made a clear statement that hunting with dogs had no place in modern Britain. Having banned bear-baiting and dog-fighting more than 150 years ago, we finally said that setting animal upon animal for sport is not a legitimate part of a civilised society. And the public agree with what parliament decided. Seventy-five percent of people now oppose foxhunting and more than 80% oppose hare coursing and stag hunting – other “sports” made illegal by the bill. In the face of such public support for the ban the pro-hunting lobby has changed its tactics more times than David Cameron has changed his priorities.

Hilary Benn, “The hunting ban is here to stay,” in The Guardian today.