Nicola Sturgeon hints SNP could vote on fox-hunting ban

The SNP could break its long-standing policy of not voting on non-Scottish matters at Westminster by opposing a repeal of the fox hunting ban.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has hinted her MPs might be instructed to take part in a division on the issue.

Traditionally the party only votes on Bills which have an effect on Scotland, either directly or through a change to the amount of cash which would go to Holyrood.

The party’s website said: “The SNP has a long-standing position of not voting on matters that only affect England.

“The Hunting Act is one such matter that purely affects England and Wales, and so SNP MPs would not vote on this issue.”

It adds that fox hunting will remain banned in Scotland through a law passed at Holyrood.

However, when pressed on Twitter, Ms Sturgeon said: “The SNP has not yet taken decision on this. We certainly don’t agree with repealing ban.”

Scottish Labour’s environment and rural affairs spokeswoman, Sarah Boyack, said: “Scotland’s moral voice as part of the UK doesn’t end at Berwick upon Tweed and the SNP must make clear they will vote against any bill which would repeal the hunting ban.”