Led by Lord Falconer, Tony Blair's Cabinet allies have launched a last ditch attempt to persuade Labour MPs to allow hunting to continue under licence.

A constitutional clash looms between the House of Lords and the Commons after peers voted overwhelmingly against an outright ban on foxhunting.

Alun Michael, the rural affairs minister, appeared to attempt to revive hopes of a compromise on foxhunting yesterday as peers prepared to discuss the issue.

In his end-of-conference speech the Deputy Prime Minister derided hunting supporters for what he described as their "savage" pastime and apparent desire constantly to kill animals.

Robin Lane Fox commentary on the problems with the concept of a hunting ban, as well as the methods the government is using to achieve it.