Members of Parliament (MPs) will vote on Wednesday (15Jul15) on a proposal to alter the 2004 Hunting Act, which critics argue will repeal the law by the back door by relaxing the limit on the number of dogs used to chase and catch foxes.

Funnyman Gervais and several other famous animal rights activists have already shown their opposition to the potential amendment with posts on social media, and now a list of stars has signed a letter to MPs.

The note, sent via Animal Defenders International, states, "If passed, this important legislation will become toothless, allowing hunts to resume their cruel pastime with impunity. This cannot be allowed to happen. We must keep the ban in place."

Other British stars who have put their name to the letter include British actors Colin Baker, Peter Egan, and Sadie Frost.