BURNLEY MP Gordon Birtwistle has pledged to support the hunting ban after meeting with activists and staff from the League Against Cruel Sports.

He told them he would support the 2004 Hunting Act if there is a free vote in Parliament on the issue.

“Hunting with dogs seems cruel and outdated,” he said.

“I was pleased to see a ban introduce and will do my part to keep the ban in place.”

Mr Birtwistle also called for Parliament to put more focus on other animal rights issues.

He said: “I would like to see more focus on animal rights issues in Parliament however, and feel that there are many more areas where legislation could be helpful.”