Pride and support

Huge crowds came to back hunts the Government wants to ban

- ELEANOR JONES

PRIDE, celebration and uniting to fight for the future - this was the message across the country as tens of thousands of people showed their support for legal hunting.

This year’s Boxing Day meet crowds seemed even bigger than usual, days after the Government confirmed a consultation on how - not whether - to ban trail- hunting would come soon.

“Boxing Day 2025 will live long in the memory of the hunting community, not merely for the large crowds and incredible scenes, but for the unmistakable sense that something profound may have shifted," said Polly Portwin, head of the campaign for hunting at the Countryside Alliance.

“It was pride. It was defiance. Above all, it was solidarity; outpouring of support for our hounds, hunts and dedicated hunt staff who remain professional in the face of relentless pressure.”