Government and farmers 'remain committed' to badger cull

In light of the overwhelming vote by backbench MPs last week in favour of a motion calling for the Government to 'stop the cull', the NFU has insisted that the Government and farmers remain committed to implementing two pilot badger culls next year.

The issue of the badger cull was debated in the House of Commons last Thursday (25th October 2012) for over six hours, before MPs voted by 147 to 28 in favour of a motion to abandon the cull and implement a vaccination programme for badger and cattle, along with improved testing and biosecurity.

While the vote is not binding in terms of policy, Shadow Defra Secretary Mary Creagh called on Ministers to "respect the democratic voice of this Parliament" and "look again at the whole policy of the badger cull."

However, Farming Minister David Heath said he: "remained 'fully committed to working with the farming industry to ensure that the pilot culls can be delivered effectively, safely and humanely next summer."

The NFU echoed these sentiments, with NFU deputy president saying: "The NFU remains committed to supporting the government's TB eradication programme for England, and the inclusion of a badger cull in those areas where TB is persistent and high."