VETERAN Crewe and Nantwich MP Gwyneth Dunwoody has criticised Tony Blair's Government over banning fox-hunting, saying it is not vital legislation. Mrs Dunwoody was among the few Labour Party members who did not vote in the Commons, and says the disgraceful scenes there will only hamper the pro-hunt cause. She said: 'I'm sorry to see that the Parliament Act is being used to push this Bill through, something that is plainly not vital legislation. 'However, the behaviour in the Commons last week was unacceptable and I fear it will divert attention from ordinary, decent campaigners who feel they have a case to argue.' Mrs Dunwoody refused to clarify her position on the hunting debate, but did reveal her sympathy for the protesters who are against a ban. She said: 'I receive letters and postcards from constituents who are both for and against the ban and I try to listen to both sides. 'To be brutally honest, however, foxes are predators and need to be controlled, and I don't think shooting them is any more humane than hunting them with dogs. 'I am just sorry that recent events have diverted attention from much more important issues like jobs, healthcare and public services.' Sandbach MP Ann Winterton voted in line with her long-held prohunting stance, joining fellow Conservative and Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien in condemning the actions of the minority who took their protestations too far. Mr O'Brien was in the Commons when the protesters interrupted the debate. He says the ugly scenes outside could have been prevented by better policing methods. He said: 'In the morning I was able to join with a number of my colleagues to address a peaceful demonstration in Parliament Square, which was packed with thousands of protesters concerned about their livelihoods. 'Even at that time some legitimate concerns were being raised about the manner in which the demonstration was being policed. 'I was also present in the House of Commons for the reading of the ban on hunting when protesters entered the chamber. 'I wholeheartedly condemn their actions.' The third reading of the Hunting Bill was passed on Wednesday by 356 votes to 166. A motion to delay the ban until July 2006 - beyond the latest date a General Election can be held - was approved on a free vote. | 
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