BURY North MP David Chaytor has backed moves for an early end to foxhunting.

He is one of more than 100 Labour MPs to sign a Commons motion urging a ban on hunting with hounds.

The move comes after Prime Minister Tony Blair failed to put plans forward for a vote in the Queen's Speech. During the election campaign he did say there would be a free vote on the issue.

Mr Chaytor and the other MPs who have signed the early day motion will now have to hope one of the MPs who win a ballot to introduce a private members bill will use that opportunity to raise the issue.

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis has not signed the motion, but made clear his opposition to fox-hunting.

"If given the chance to vote then I would support any moves to end foxhunting," he said.

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