In September 2004, MPs voted to ban fox hunting with dogs by a majority of 356 to 166.

But the ban won't become law until it's passed by the House of Lords.

If the House of Lords don't pass the ban, the government may use a special power - The Parliament Act - to make sure the proposal becomes law.

MPs also have to discuss when the ban will come in, as some people want to delay it. Any ban is not likely to become law until November 2006.

In 2002, MPs voted 362 votes to 154 to ban fox hunting but the Lords wanted registered hunts to continue. Because of the disagreement no law was passed st the time.

Is hunting illegal in Scotland?

Yes. It was banned in February 2002.

Key dates

In June 2000, a report called the Burns Inquiry was published. It concluded that hunting "seriously compromises the welfare of the fox."