THE Countryside Alliance is challenging in court the validity of the Hunting Act. The case appears hopeless, but they will apply for an injunction to delay the Act pending an appeal.

Extraordinarily, the Government has said it will not oppose any such injunction. This is outrageous and undemocratic.

After seven long years of wriggling by the Government, trying to avoid a ban, our elected MPs were finally able to secure the democratic will and pass the Hunting Act. Parliament is now obliged by statutory code to defend that law.

Since the implementation date, February 18, was part of the Act, it must be defended equally. The Government's refusal to oppose the injunction is indefensible.

Surrendering of Parliamentary sovereignty to the judiciary is unwarranted and unconstitutional.

POWA suspects this is another Government tactic to frustrate the will of the people and MPs on this issue. We urge readers to contact their own MP and Tony Blair to demand any injunction to delay implementation of the Act is vigorously opposed.

Alan Kirby, Protect Our Wild Animals (POWA).