²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Labour pledges to ban badger cull

NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw said it was 'something the union had been fearing'

Alex Black
clock • 1 min read
Labour pledges to ban badger cull

Labour has pledged to ban the badger cull, with the NFU stating the industry would find it 'hard to come to terms with' the party's stance.

Speaking to ,ÌýDaniel Zeichner,Ìý shadow farming minister, said: "I have spent a long time looking at this. The 2018 Godfrey review, the last piece of work done by the government, found that badger culling is not the answer.

Listen: ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian podcast: Labour's Daniel Zeichner answers farmers questions on right to roam

"We are going to make England bovine TB free by 2038, but with a range of measures that do not include culling."

See more: Labour struggling to win rural vote, according to new survey

Responding to news, NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw said it was something the union had been fearing and it had been doing everything possible to work with Labour to help them understand the importance of the controlled wildlife programme as an essential part of TB control.

He added the decision would be one that the industry would find it hard to come to terms with.

More on Politics

Loyal frontbenchers back Starmer to stay on as PM

Loyal frontbenchers back Starmer to stay on as PM

Former Defra Secretary Steve Reed said the Labour Party must unite behind the Prime Minister, adding that a change at the top will 'lead to chaos'

Chris Brayford
clock 12 May 2026 • 5 min read
Plaid Cymru leader confirmed First Minister of Wales

Plaid Cymru leader confirmed First Minister of Wales

Rhun ap Iorwerth says his new role is 'greatest privilege' of his life as he preapres to form Plaid's first ever government

clock 12 May 2026 • 1 min read
Labour MP resigns as Reynolds' PPS amidst growing calls for PM to step down

Labour MP resigns as Reynolds' PPS amidst growing calls for PM to step down

Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds' Private Parliamentary Secretary Tom Rutland is one of a growing number of Labour backbenchers calling on Sir Keir Starmer to quit as Prime Minister

Chris Brayford
clock 12 May 2026 • 2 min read