MINISTERS plan a rigorous system of licensing for foxhunting likely to result in the disappearance of most hunts under proposals set to be announced in this week’s Queen’s speech.

Under the plans, hunts would be forced to seek licences, which they could get only if they passed two tests.

First, they would have to prove there was a need for hunting, meaning that the animal they hoped to pursue was a genuine pest. Second, they would have to show that hunting was the least cruel method of doing the job, proving that chasing it across miles of countryside was less cruel than shooting it.

Yesterday Alun Michael, the rural affairs minister, confirmed that the two principles of “utility and least cruelty” would be central to the legislation, on which MPs will have a free vote.

The proposals are seen as a skilful way of wiping out hunting piecemeal, without Labour getting the blame. The licence applications would be dealt with at local level, possibly by magistrates or local commissions, rather than by the government imposing a blanket ban.

Apart from foxhunting, the Queen’s speech itself could become another endangered tradition. Ministers are considering plans to drop the annual state opening of parliament, which sees the monarch process to the Palace of Westminster and deliver her set-piece speech on forthcoming legislation.

They argue that the annual ceremony is unnecessary and outdated and could be replaced with a single ceremony at the beginning of every parliament after a general election.

The change would be brought in under the modernising agenda being promoted by Robin Cook, the leader of the Commons, which will see reduced hours from January and an end to sittings on Fridays.

In addition hunting, the Queen’s speech is expected to concentrate on crime, local government and licensing laws. Blair admitted in a newspaper article last night that people do not feel safe because too many offenders walk free.“The truth is people don’t feel more secure,” he said. “They know the system is not working as it should.”

The measures to be unveiled include:

• Giving dangerous sex attackers indeterminate jail sentences. This will mean that offenders will be kept in prison until the parole board is “completely satisfied” that their release would pose no risk to the public.
• New police powers to target street hooligans and “low-level crime”, including a crackdown on graffiti, with police powers to issue fixed penalty notices to offenders.

A recent Home Office study found that 37% of people had been the victims of some form of antisocial behaviour, such as vandalism or verbal abuse in the street and that it had affected their quality of life. A nationwide extension of on-the-spot fines for hooligans currently being tested in four areas.

Ministers will call on councils to impose more antisocial behaviour orders on offenders.

• Proposals to curb the centuries-old right to trial by jury. o A bill paving the way for referendums on regional assemblies in England.
• Legislation for 24-hour licensing in public houses and restaurants.

It is understood, however, that plans for a new offence of “corporate killing” that could be used, for example, against rail companies responsible for accidents, has been dropped.

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