Robin Cook has announced that parliament will be given a free vote on the future of fox hunting

Once the view of the Commons and the Lords is known the government will bring forward its plans on "how the matter is resolved" before the Easter recess.

Forum Response: RSPCA

A spokesperson for the RSPCA told ePolitix.com: "The best way of resolving this issue is to get on with the job of reintroducing the existing Hunting Bill. If the bill were to be introduced this session, the Parliament Act would automatically apply to prevent the House of Lords rejecting the will of the Commons for a second time. It means a ban could be in place in about eighteen months time.

"There is no possible compromise that would resolve this issue. The so-called 'middle-way' involves licensing the barbaric practice of chasing and savaging wild mammals to death in the name of sport. This can never be acceptable in a civilised society and that is why the middle-way proposal has already been rejected by both houses of parliament.

"Our campaign will continue with vigour until there is a complete ban on the cruel and unnecessary sports of hunting foxes, deer, hares and mink with dogs."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance told ePolitix.com: "Following Robin Cook's statement on hunting in the House of Commons today, the alliance remains confident that the government is seeking a solution that respects both human rights and animal welfare.

"The alliance will however continue to warn government of the consequences of any ban on hunting - which would not help a single family in the UK and would harm many."

Forum Response: Animal Defenders

A spokesperson for Animal Defenders told ePolitix.com: "We are delighted - this is great news for Britain's wildlife, proof that public opinion counts, and a chance for the government to show it can act decisively on a matter of principle".