Campaigning MP Angela Smith is optimistic about finally winning the fight against foxhunting in Britain.

The Government today (Friday) vowed to bring forward its legislation on the controversial sport which Mrs Smith, MP for Basildon and East Thurrock, has been fighting for along with a number of backbenchers.

The long-awaited Burns Inquiry report is also now in the hands of Home Secretary Jack Straw.

MPs will be given the lowdown in the Commons next week before being presented with three options.

The Government bill will offer MPs the chance of a status quo, a partial ban - with hunting allowed to continue in areas where foxes are a particular problem - or a total ban.

Mrs Smith said: "At last we have been guaranteed parliamentary time to discuss this bill through all of its stages. It shows there is now a really strong commitment to the issue.

"I am extremely optimistic about the whole situation."

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