The Labour government under Keir Starmer faces a significant backlash from rural communities over its plan to outlaw trail hunting, with a new poll suggesting it has alienated countryside voters.
Poll reveals deep rural discontent
A survey commissioned by the Countryside Alliance pressure group has delivered a stark warning to ministers. The poll, conducted by ORB International between 12 and 14 December with 2,083 British adults, found that 76% of voters believe the Labour administration prioritises urban issues over rural ones.
Furthermore, only 36% of respondents agreed that the government cares about people who live in the countryside. The Countryside Alliance stated that 65% of voters think the Labour government unfairly neglects country communities.
Boxing Day hunts proceed amid ban controversy
The poll's release coincides with the traditional Boxing Day hunts taking place across the UK. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend these events, which now primarily involve trail hunting—where hounds follow a pre-laid scent instead of a live fox.
This practice was introduced after the Hunting Act of 2004 banned hunting wild mammals with dogs. The government's new animal welfare strategy, to be published on Monday, includes provisions to ban trail hunting, arguing it is often a "cover for illegal foxhunting."
The Countryside Alliance fiercely defends the activity, stating hunts contribute more than £100 million annually to the rural economy. A government consultation on how to implement the ban is scheduled for early 2026.
Broader rural policy tensions
The dispute over hunting is part of a wider sense of grievance in rural areas. Farming communities have expressed lingering resentment over changes to agricultural inheritance tax breaks, despite a partial government U-turn.
Tim Bonner, Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance, accused the government of having "warped priorities." He said: "In 18 months his government has alienated rural people and created the clear impression that it does not care about the countryside."
Bonner urged the government to "work with the rural community – not legislate against it," stating it has a "very long way to go to rebuild trust."
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) defended its stance. A spokesperson highlighted the government's commitment to the ban, citing strong public support, and pointed to other animal welfare reforms.
On tax, Defra noted it has increased the individual inheritance tax threshold from £1 million to £2.5 million, meaning couples with estates of up to £5 million will pay no inheritance tax. The department also pledged to act on the recent Batters review of the agricultural sector by fostering greater collaboration.
