A VILLAGER has slammed Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin for revealing his support for bringing back fox hunting.

Jon Baden emailed Bernard Jenkin raising concerns about a return of fox hunting, describing it as "an issue of compassion".

But Mr Baden, a university lecturer, said he was shocked and appalled at the response, in which Mr Jenkin said he would be voting to repeal the ban if the opportunity arose.

In the email, Mr Jenkin said: "In our increasingly urbanised society, it is wrong for the urban majority to dictate how the rural minority should lead their lives."

Mr Baden, of Wix, said: "I was totally taken aback.

"Killing wild mammals with dogs is cruel.

"This is not, as some have suggested, an issue of class; it is an issue of compassion."

Speaking to the Standard, Mr Jenkin stood by his email saying he had thought long and hard about the issue.

"Unless the situation chages, I doubt I would change my opinion."