The Observer newspaper reports that hunting leaders have warned London 2012 officials that the country will be “at war” as IOC delegates arrive in February to assess London’s bid.
Their visit coincides with the coming into force of a new hunting ban on February 18.
The Countryside Alliance has warned that it is planning a protest in Parliament Square on February 18, the first day fox hunting will be illegal. The visit by the 12-member IOC evaluation commission takes place from February 16 to 19.
London 2012 spokesman Mike Lee said on Saturday that the protesters’ plans would not damage London’s chances and that the IOC inspectors would not be affected by the protests.
He said: “The Countryside Alliance have made contact with the bid to indicate that Saturday, 19 February is an important date for them, and we have noted that information.
“But the way the itinerary for the evaluation commission visit is organised, it’s unlikely that the response to the legislation coming into force would have a disruptive effect on the commission’s work because there’s very little travelling (around London) in the course of their visit”.
He added that most of the inspectors’ time would be spent in a hotel listening to presentation from 2012 bid leaders and asking questions, and only one day will involve travelling around the city examining sites and transport arrangements.
