Having stated in their manifesto that badger culling would be stopped if they came to power, Labour have now changed their minds. The Labour manifesto states:
And we will work with farmers and scientists on measures to eradicate Bovine TB, protecting livelihoods, so that we can end the ineffective badger cull.
However, speaking to Radio 4's Farming Today programme, Steve Reed, Shadow DEFRA Secretary of State acknowledged that the culls hadn't worked, but that if elected Labour would not seek to terminate any licences.
These licences can run up until 2026, so if Labour wins the election, Reed has effectively subscribed the taxpayer to funding the culling of thousands more badgers.
