Theresa May's government is pushing for a new vote to repeal the ban on fox hunting despite the SNP’s opposition and David Cameron’s failed attempt to enact the change.

Andrea Leadsom, the Environment Secretary, wants to implement a free vote before the next election, sources told the Telegraph.

However, campaigners remain pessimistic that a free vote will be won, saying the odds of victory in the current parliament are about 100/1.

The ban on hunting foxes and other wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales was implemented in the Hunting Act 2004, legislation Tony Blair, the then prime minister, has since said he regrets.

The Tory election manifesto last year pledged to offer a free vote on repealing the law, meaning MPs would not be whipped on party lines, in a promise to “support countryside pursuits”.