The government has pledged to push through new anti-hunt legislation even if the House of Lords continues its opposition.

Making a statement to the Commons on Thursday afternoon, rural affairs minister Alun Michael said the government was seeking agreement on how to proceed, but emphasised that the views of MPs should prevail over those of peers.

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance told ePolitix.com: "We welcome the fact that the previous Bill has now been dropped completely, and that consultations are to take place on the form of new legislation. But if MPs try to hijack any resulting fair-minded legislation so as to transform it into a prejudiced attack on a cultural minority, then they will face the most determined and implacable resistance from the countryside.

"We are encouraged to hear that the minister plans to base the content of any new legislation on the findings of the Burns report, especially with regard to the issues of cruelty and utility. Lord Burns' report has made clear that hunting is at least as humane as the alternatives and is in some circumstances the only practicable option. Moreover, Lord Burns has himself stressed that his report provides no grounds for concluding that hunting is cruel.

"The alliance looks forward to playing its full part in the consultation process, provided that this is conducted, as the minister has called for, in a spirit of tolerance. But all parties must be seen to seek a just solution which safeguards both civil liberties and animal welfare - both of which would be compromised by a ban."

Forum Response: RSPCA

John Rolls, director of communications for the RSPCA, told ePolitix.com: "This is an unnecessary waste of time. The existing Hunting Bill has already been passed by the Commons. It was drafted by the Home Office and it has been subject to more than 60 hours of debate, as well as scrutiny by legal experts and welfare groups.

"The Hunting Bill allows for the legitimate protection of livestock. There is no need whatsoever for any form of killing using hounds to continue. Earlier this week the House of Commons again voted overwhelmingly in favour of a ban.

"The view of the elected chamber must prevail. The government's motives are transparent. It is clearly not about distinguishing between utility and sporting hunting because the existing bill does that already. Instead, it is simply putting off until tomorrow what should have been resolved today.

"This issue has been endlessly debated. A further six months of debate will do nothing to find common ground that just does not exist. Hunting with dogs is cruel and a modern, civilized society should not allow cruelty to animals."