British peers tonight set themselves on a collision course with MPs after voting to continue foxhunting under licence - the so-called 'Middle Way' option.
The decision by 366 votes to 59 against, majority 307, followed an eight hour debate in which peers were asked to choose from one of three courses of action, an outright ban, hunting under licence or keeping the status quo.
Peers rejected an outright ban on hunting by 331 votes to 74, majority 257.
However, it quickly emerged that peers on all sides, had bowed to behind-the-scenes pressure to abandon their previous support last year, on the British government's Hunting Bill, for maintaining the status quo.
The middle way result, on a free vote, came after MPs last night voted overwhelmingly to ban the sport, the fourth occasion that they have done so, since Labour swept to power in 1997.
Mr Tony Blair also voted for a ban, the first time he has gone through the division lobbies as Prime Minister on this issue.
Now Parliament must wait until Thursday to find out the government's next move, when it is expected that Rural Affairs Minister Mr Alun Michael will make a statement to the Commons announcing that a new Bill will be introduced to Parliament.
But a question mark remains over the government's strategy.
If the legislation contains a single clause outlawing hunting, the government can expect another battle in the Lords and huge demonstrations on the streets of London and other cities, from countryside supporters.
PA