A campaigning south Essex MP today welcomed an overwhelming vote in favour of legislation which could lead to a ban on hunting with hounds.

Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith supported the House of Commons decision to proceed with the Government's highly controversial Hunting Bill.

Members voted by 373 to 158 for the Hunting Bill to move to the committee stage. They will now debate three options, including an outright ban, in the new year.

Mrs Smith has strong views on the subject and wants to see an end to fox and deer hunting and hare coursing, because they are "cruel" and "unacceptable in modern society".

The Essex-based St Francis Foundation for Animals wants Mrs Smith to use her personal views as a weapon to champion its cause.

Names on the petitions come from all over Essex including Basildon, Southend and Castle Point.

The Country Landowners' Association, which represents 50,000 land and business owners, wants MPs to back an option to allow self-regulation of the sport.

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