CONTROVERSIAL plans to ban hunting in Worcestershire will be challenged in the courts if Labour MPs refuse to back down, it has emerged.

The Countryside Alliance claims it has a case to challenge any ban under the Human Rights Act.

The Alliance made the threat in a bid to persuade MPs to ditch plans for an outright ban on the pursuit.

Campaign chiefs are determined the fight to save hunting should not be placed on the back-burner during the summer recess at Parliament.

The Alliance's first goal is to convince the House of Lords to overturn the ban when Peers return in September.

Lords have repeatedly blocked MPs attempts to outlaw the pursuit and the Agency is confident Peers will opt for a system of regulation - allowing hunting to continue under licence.

The Hunting Bill would then return to the Commons against a background of the threat of legal action if MPs amend the legislation back to a total ban.

The Agency said it would mount a legal challenge to any attempt to force a ban through the Lords using the Parliament Act.

Lawyers would also argue stopping people from hunting would be an infringement of their human rights under the wide-reaching Human Rights Act.

The hope is that Labour MPs - who voted overwhelmingly in favour of a ban earlier this month - will shy away from a fight and opt for licensing.

"This campaign will reflect the determination of decent people never to submit to unjust laws, said Alliance chairman John Jackson."

"It will be long and arduous but our widespread support, and the justice of our cause, will sap the political will of our opponents and those who might give in to them."

The odds remain stacked against the Alliance forcing a U-turn by Labour MPs, who have repeatedly stated nothing short of an outright ban is acceptable.

In the vote earlier this month, Worcester Labour MP Mike Foster supported the outright ban on the face of protests from Tory MPs Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire), Sir Michael Spicer (West Worcestershire) and Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove).

Independent Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor also voted against the ban.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said he hoped the Lords would not block the legislation.

But he has stressed the Government will not shy away from applying Parliament Act to force the Bill through.