Furious GB News row erupts over fox hunting as star slams 'left-wing nutters'

GB News star Ryan-Mark Parsons slammed the Labour government as hunters gathered across the UK for traditional Boxing Day meets.

Labour pledged to ban trail hunting in its pre-election manifesto - bringing an end to the practice of laying a scent across the countryside for hounds and riders to follow in lieu of the centuries-old tradition of banned fox hunting in England and Wales.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also launched a scathing attack on the government's plans to ban trail hunting, branding it an "attack on rural communities".

GB News star Parsons agreed with the politician, claiming "left-wing nutters" want to get rid of British traditions.

He said: "I think it was a shame that they banned fox hunting back in 2004. I've attended hunts, I have never been on horseback but I think it's a wonderful tradition that we have in this country."

The TV star continued: "A lot of left-wing nutters want to eradicate everything good about this country. They want to eradicate every single tradition that we uphold.

"I think it's bonkers now that the Labour government are going to attack rural communities yet again by trying to ban trail hunting. It's absurd."

Fellow guest Suzy Stride disagreed, saying: "What makes our country great is not fox hunting. It's our schools, low levels of corruption.

She added: "I think the vast majority of Brits do not put fox hunting on their list of what makes Britain great."

It comes after the channel axed a number of its presenters, including Isabel Webster, who has hosted the Breakfast Show with Eamonn Holmes since 2022.

Earlier in the month, a GB News spokesperson said: "Ellie Costello will now co-host GBN Breakfast five days a week, presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and with Stephen Dixon on Thursday and Friday.

"Stephen and Anne Diamond will continue to co-present GB News Breakfast at Weekends."

Mark Dolan was also "relieved" from his duties.

In a furious announcement, Mark said: "STATEMENT. GB News have made the decision to permanently relieve me of my duties at the channel. I will speak publicly about this in due course."

In another surprising move, Jacob Rees Mogg also had his hours cut. The 55-year-old usually presents State of the Nation four days a week, but will now host the programme only on Mondays and Tuesdays.