I realise that not everyone approves of field-sports, but the mark of a civilised society is that people are free to behave regardless of other’s opinions, providing they do so within the confines of the law. The Belvoir Hunt Boxing Day meet on St Peter’s Hill has taken place for decades without any significant  issues so I see no reason it shouldn’t continue to do so. Given that the hunt meet takes place on a dead-end road, there’s likely to be relatively little traffic disruption.

The hunt doesn’t need our permission to use the road, but we are speaking to both them and the district council about how to manage things safely.

I am happy to support this well attended local tradition and am equally pleased to support lawful hunting and other fields-sports taking place across the country.

Tally-ho!