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McCartney: UK gov't to lose support if it eases hunting ban

McCartney: UK gov't to lose support if it eases hunting ban

By REUTERS

Paul McCartney, formerly a member of The Beatles, performs with his band during a concert at CitiField in New York in this July 17, 2009 file photo. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

LONDON: Here's some free political advice from Paul McCartney to Prime Minister David Cameron: Don't mess with the fox hunting ban. The former Beatle said Friday that any move to reintroduce hunting would be unpopular. He spoke out before a vote in Parliament next week on the government's proposal to loosen the hunting ban. The new proposal would allow a pack of hounds to flush a fox out of hiding but not kill it. Hunting opponents believe this would amount to legalizing hunting again after a ban was imposed in 2004. McCartney said many Britons back the Conservative government but would turn against it if hunting makes a comeback. 'It is cruel and unnecessary and will lose them support from ordinary people and animal lovers like myself,' he said.