THE Scottish National Party will join forces with Labour to vote against plans to amend the law on fox hunting in England and Wales in what it called a warning to the "arrogant" Conservative UK government.

A meeting of the party's 56 MPs - whose influence is likely to prove decisive in Wednesday's Commons decision - decided to take part in the controversial vote despite usually sitting out decisions not directly affecting Scotland.


Animal welfare campaigners are angry about proposed changes to the Hunting Act to bring England and Wales in to line with Scotland on using dogs to flush out foxes to be shot.


Traditional fox hunting with dogs is illegal across Britain, but in England and Wales, only two dogs can be used to flush out a fox so that a farmer or landowner can shoot it, while in Scotland an unlimited number of dogs can be used.


Tory MPs have been given a free vote on the issue but hunting supporters appear unlikely to muster sufficient numbers to win the vote now that the SNP have thrown their new-found muscle behind the no camp.


The decision comes amid ongoing controversy over the Government's plans to introduce English Votes for English Laws (Evel) - effectively giving a veto to MPs south of the border over legislation that does not affect Scotland.


The crunch Commons vote on hunting will be immediately followed by a major debate on the Government's constitutional plans.


In a statement following the meeting, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said: "We totally oppose fox hunting, and when there are moves in the Scottish Parliament to review whether the existing Scottish ban is strong enough, it is in the Scottish interest to maintain the existing ban in England and Wales for Holyrood to consider.


"We are in a situation where the Tory government are refusing to agree to any amendments to improve the Scotland Bill - which are supported by 58 of Scotland's 59 MPs - and imposing English Votes for English Laws to make Scotland's representation at Westminster second class.


"In these circumstances, it is right and proper on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban - in the process, reminding an arrogant UK government of just how slender their majority is - just as we will vote against the Tory welfare cuts next week, and appeal to Labour to join us."


It came after celebrities including Ricky Gervais, Morrissey, Sadie Frost and Stella McCartney called on MPs to keep the fox hunting ban intact.


The bid to change the law has prompted accusations the Government is trying to sneak fox hunting in through the back door, knowing they would not win a free vote to repeal the Hunting Act in Parliament.
But hunting supporters are backing the move, saying traditional hunting would remain illegal and it would make it easier to manage fox populations.


Celebrities have joined with Animal Defenders International (ADI) in an urgent plea to MPs to block the proposed changes and prevent the return of a "despicable bloodsport".


Actors Colin Baker and Julia McKenzie, comedian Alexei Sayle, TV presenters Chris Packham and Victoria Stilwell, naturalist Dame Jane Goodall and former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe are among more than 20 high profile people who have signed a letter to MPs.


The letter warns that the Government is attempting to "weaken the Hunting Act though the back door, knowing full well that a free vote would maintain this effective, compassionate law".


High profile animal welfare activists including Queen guitarist Brian May and former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney have already urged the Government to keep the Hunting Act.


May is set to take part in a rally outside Parliament by the "Team Fox" coalition of animal welfare groups, including ADI, tomorrow, urging MPs to keep the ban intact.