Hunt supporters and countryside workers who believe their jobs will be threatened by a possible ban on hunting have today begun a round-the-clock vigil outside parliament.

There will also be a petition handed in daily to the prime minister, signed by those who are opposed to a hunt ban.

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance told ePolitix.com: "The continuous 24 hour vigil will be encamped right in front of the entrance to parliament and its aim is to put across forcefully to parliamentarians that a hunting ban will not only have a negative impact upon animal welfare, but will hurt ordinary people too.

"People from up and down the country will be taking part on a 24-hour long shift basis. We are going to London to defend our way of life and our jobs. We want members of the public to realise how important hunting is to rural communities.

"A ban on hunting would cost farriers, feed merchants and saddlers a huge percentage of their trade at a time when many have already suffered badly because of foot and mouth.

"The Burns Inquiry found that there is no justification for criminalising hunting and we are prepared to stay camped outside the Houses of Parliament until the government starts to treat us fairly".