Labour MPs are bracing themselves for a strong backlash from rural campaigners over the government's plans to ban hunting with dogs as a field sport.

According to press reports, ministers are set to publish a Queen's Speech which would outlaw recreational hunting.

Forum Response: Country Land and Business Association

A spokeswoman for the Country Land and Business Association told ePolitix.com: "The CLA is united against a ban on hunting. It impinges on freedom. Hunting makes a valuable contribution to the rural economy by creating jobs and incomes."

Forum Response: RSPCA

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA told ePolitix.com: "The case for a ban on hunting with dogs is overwhelming and was strengthened by last month's public hearings. There is clear support amongst the public and in the Commons for a ban and the government must now allow the matter to reach a conclusion."We hope to see a Bill to ban hunting announced in the Queen's Speech and there must be no attempt to fudge the issue with talk of a so-called 'compromise'. Hunting with dogs is fundamentally cruel and there can be no compromise on cruelty."

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance told ePolitix.com: "The Countryside Alliance believes this story is without substance as the minister quoted remains unnamed. The story is clearly a scare tactic peddled with the aim of undermining the reputation of rural campaigners for decent, law-abiding protest.

"Tony Blair has within the past week publicly stated that he will not allow the proposals on hunting (which will be issued shortly) to be prejudiced. We know that there are those in the Labour party who oppose hunting, but we believe that the government will continue to handle this process fairly and even handedly, and that future legislation will be based upon facts and not prejudice".