HUNT supporters from across the region are expected to gather outside Parliament today to voice their anger at moves to outlaw their sport.

The protest by farmers, vets, dog handlers, kennelmaids and grooms comes as MPs and peers begin two days of debate on options over the future of the traditional countryside pursuit.

They will debate whether the bloodsport should continue freely, be regulated or, as they overwhelmingly backed last time, banned completely.

Last night, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael denied he was seeking a compromise deal on fox hunting.

Reports had suggested Prime Minister Tony Blair had given backing to a tougher version of the "third way" regulation option.

Under the deal, hare coursing would be banned but fox hunting allowed under three-year licences, if a regulatory body was satisfied it was needed to control vermin and was not cruel.

But asked whether such an arrangement had been sought, Mr Michael said: "Absolutely not. I am not involved in any negotiations of that sort."

Among those involved in the debate is Hugh Bayley, City of York MP, who is to vote for a complete hunting ban.

He said: "There is no middle way on hunting. You are either for it or against it and I do not see killing animals as a sport.

"I accept that farmers have to control pests, but you do not have to chase them across the countryside and tear them apart with dogs."

The government has said that it wants to gauge the opinion of Parliament before any final decision. An announcement is not expected before the Commons' Easter recess.

Lyndsay Waddell, chairman of the moorland branch of the National Gamekeepers' Association and head gamekeeper for Raby Estates, in County Durham, said: "There is concern about any more restrictions that are placed on hunting because of repercussions it may have on our work."

Simon Hart, of the campaign for hunting at the Countryside Alliance, said: "We will not hesitate to come back in greater numbers if there is any suggestion of an unfair solution."