Sir Ben Wallace, former UK defence secretary and ex-captain in the Scots Guards, has emerged as a leading figure opposing Labour’s proposal to ban trail hunting. Speaking at the Festival of Hounds near Peterborough on July 25, Wallace addressed an audience of rural supporters, urging the government to reconsider plans that he warns threaten traditional countryside activities.
Wallace invoked his military background and political experience to frame his opposition. The former Tory minister, who played a prominent role in coordinating the UK’s defence support to Ukraine, criticized Labour’s stance under leaders Sir Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham. Starmer pledged to outlaw trail hunting in Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, and despite multiple national challenges during his brief tenure as prime minister, continued to prioritize advancing a ban through parliamentary procedure. Burnham has similarly voiced support for the ban, reaffirming the policy shortly before becoming Labour leader.
At the festival, Wallace appealed directly to Burnham, encouraging him to “take his foot off the gas” regarding the proposed legislation and to mend Labour’s relationship with rural communities, which he described as fractured. He argued that the focus on banning trail hunting is out of step with broader public priorities and reflective of a disconnect between Labour’s urban leadership and the countryside’s cultural values.
Wallace’s advocacy extends beyond political rhetoric; he cited previous interventions as defence secretary, including halting an agreement that allowed animal rights groups to monitor hunting activity on Ministry of Defence lands. At the event, he expressed personal commitment to preserving trail hunting as a heritage sport for future generations, highlighting the cultural significance of events featuring traditional hound breeds such as Bassets and Beagles.
Critics of the ban maintain that trail hunting often serves as a covert means to continue traditional fox hunting, which was outlawed under earlier legislation. Labour and animal welfare campaigners emphasize animal protection and view the ban as part of a broader movement to curb hunting-related activities.
Wallace warned that if trail hunting is banned, subsequent restrictions might target other rural pursuits, including shooting and horse racing, signaling a potential ripple effect across countryside interests. He framed the impending parliamentary debate, scheduled after the summer recess, as a critical struggle for the “soul of the countryside,” with significant implications for rural businesses, cultural practices, and community identity.
As the new Conservative government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak prepares to respond, the outcome of this legislative contest will likely influence the relationship between the UK’s political centre and its rural constituencies, which have expressed growing concerns over tax policies and regulatory pressures affecting farming and local enterprises. Wallace urged for a less confrontational approach, calling for dialogue that respects rural traditions while addressing contemporary political challenges.