THE anti-foxhunting bill is due to be debated in the House of Lords today against a background of fierce lobbying and wild speculation from the bitterly opposed pro-and anti-factions.

It has been widely leaked that the Prime to continue under close inspection - which, it is said, he hopes will prevent the upcoming general election campaign from being marred by massive pro-hunt demonstrations.

Some commentators believe that the Lords will produce such a compromise bill by adding several amendments to the total ban voted for by the House of Commons.

Whether or not such an amended bill would be accepted by Labour MPs is likely to be one of the biggest political controversies of the coming months.