A NOTTINGHAM MP has called for the ban on hunting to be better enforced.

Labour's Graham Allen, who represents Nottingham North, claims recent evidence from the League Against Cruel Sports has shown an increasing number of hunts are breaking the law.

He added: "The 2004 Hunting Act was a great triumph for animal welfare. We must continue to make sure that in practice it is properly implemented. In the early days it was enforced well, but that was down to the high presence on the ground of organisations like the League Against Cruel Sports.

"I am pleased groups are now employing retired police officers to keep an eye on the situation, but the Government needs to send a clear message to police chiefs that the Act should be properly enforced."