THE Tories looked as out of touch as ever yesterday after reaffirming their commitment to repeal the Hunting Act despite huge public opposition.

The 2004 Act, which prohibits the hunting of mammals, in particular foxes, with dogs, has long been a bugbear of the Tory right.

David Cameron, a member of the “Chipping Norton Set,” has repeatedly stated his wish that the barbaric practice of hunting and tearing foxes to pieces with dogs should be allowed again.

Writing in the Western Morning Mail earlier this year, he insisted that people in the countryside must have “the freedom to hunt.”

He claimed, spuriously, that the act “has done nothing for animal welfare” and said that he shared “the frustration” about the hunting ban.

Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Environment Secretary Liz Truss said the Tories would keep their manifesto commitment by introducing a government Bill on the issue in government time and giving Parliament the opportunity for a free vote.

Responding, shadow environment minister Angela Smith said she was confident that Labour would be able to block the scrapping of the legislation.

She told MPs: “We on this side of the house are confident that we would win a vote on repeal, in other words we would win a vote to stop the repeal of the Hunting Act.

“But it is clear from the minister’s answer there is no plan in place for a vote.

“On that basis and given 80 per cent of voters support the ban on hunting … why don’t you just drop the idea and get on with the job of making sure the legislation is enforced?”

League Against Cruel Sports director Tom Quinn told the Star: “It would be a mistake to hold a vote to bring back hunting, as opposition to this cruel sport remains as high as ever.

“Nevertheless, as increasing numbers of MPs from all parties listen to their constituents and pledge not to repeal the Hunting Act, it is becoming clear that any vote to repeal the ban would be lost.”