The government has suggested that an outright ban on fox hunting could be forced through next year.

Militant hunt supporters are planning to respond with a series of extreme measures such as disrupting traffic in central London and other cities. Telecommunication networks and electricity supplies are also under threat.

Ministers said yesterday that they expect the ban to be in force next year - although doubts remain about whether the prime minister will personally support the move.

The Conservatives have confirmed that they would seek to reverse any ban if they were returned to power.