Network for Animals are thrilled to confirm that the Scottish National Party will take part in this Wednesday's debate and vote, and oppose David Cameron's underhand attempts to destroy the Hunting Act 2004.
Almost 25,000 people have filled in our petitions to the SNP during the last fortnight, and many more have visited their MPs in person, tweeted, and emailed. Our heartfelt thanks go to out to our co-members in Team Fox, and the caring supporters whose energy has contributed to this groundswell of compassion.
The SNP release is listed below:
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The Scottish National Party Westminster Group met this evening and decided to vote against the Tory Government's attempt to relax the ban on fox hunting south of the border in Wednesday's vote.
SNP Westminster Group Leader Angus Robertson MP said:
"We totally oppose fox hunting, and when there are moves in the Scottish Parliament to review whether the existing Scottish ban is strong enough, it is in the Scottish interest to maintain the existing ban in England and Wales for Holyrood to consider.
"We are in a situation where the Tory government are refusing to agree to any amendments to improve the Scotland Bill - which are supported by 58 of Scotland's 59 MPs - and imposing English Votes for English Laws to make Scotland's representation at Westminster second class.
"In these circumstances, it is right and proper that we assert the Scottish interest on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban - in the process, reminding an arrogant UK government of just how slender their majority is - just as we will vote against the Tory welfare cuts next week, and appeal to Labour to join us."
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Moving beyond all expectation, the SNP have also hinted that they will look to strengthen Scotland's own Protection of Wild Mammals Act 2002. Network for Animals will do all that is possible to assist these efforts.
