PM warned over hunting ban backlash

SIR KEIR Starmer has been warned he has a long way to go to rebuild trust with rural communities as Boxing Day hunts meet in the shadow of a looming crackdown.

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The Government announced its intention to ban trail hunting just days before the traditional Boxing Day events and despite a partial U-turn, there is still lingering resentment among farming communities over changes to inheritance tax breaks.

The Countryside Alliance pressure group said the Government had "alienated rural people", with a poll suggesting 65% of voters think the Labour administration unfairly neglects country communities.