THREE East Lancashire MPs were today standing firm in their desire to ban bloodsports after threats to try to oust them at the election from the pro-hunting lobby.

Greg Pope, Janet Anderson and Gordon Prentice are on a "hit list" of 72 MPs from all parties who are opposed to hunting and are in marginal seats.

The leading pro-hunting magazine, The Field, has published lists and urged its readers to use their vote to get rid of the 72 at the election.

The magazine's editor Jonathan Young says that many on the list believe they are safe from attempts to unseat them because they represent urban constituencies.

But in a full page editorial he says they are wrong writing: "It would not take much organised effort to remove vehemently anti field sports MPs.

"It is up to ourselves, our families and friends to ensure that candidates from all parties realise that if it is their wish to destroy county people's lives it will cost them dear."

Of the 72 MPs, 56 are Labour, 12 are Tory, two Liberal Democrats and two Scottish nationalists. Mrs Anderson, whose majority of 120 in Rossendale and Darwen makes it the most marginal Labour seat in the country said: "I think that fox hunting is barbaric.

Labour MP Mr Pope, whose majority in Hyndburn at the last election was 160, said: "I am in favour of a free vote in the House of Commons on the issue and have always voted to abolish hunting with hounds."

Mr Prentice, whose majority for Labour in Pendle at the last election was 2,113, said: "Tough luck. I'm not bothered."

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