Anti-Badger Cull Protest

DEFRA has announced that the trial cull of badgers to try to stop the spread of TB in cattle will go ahead, despite speculation of a postponement

The pilot was due to start in parts of West Somerset and Gloucestershire this month but has received widespread opposition.

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The National Farmers Union has welcomed the news that there's to be a full Commons debate next week on the badger cull - even though it's come about as a result of pressure from opponents.

The cull is due to start shortly in Somerset and Gloucestershire as part of efforts to control the spread of TB in cattle. Opposition to it has been mounting. Meanwhile a group of vets has said it would result in widespread suffering for badgers. Ken Goodwin reports from a farm in Gloucestershire.

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Defra’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Boyd and Chief Vet Nigel Gibbens will be answering questions about the badger cull pilots live on Twitter from 12-1pm today.

They will be answering questions about the science and evidence upon which the policy is based and the Government’s wider approach to tackling the spread of TB in cattle.

You can send Ian and Nigel questions using #askDefra and follow the conversation via the department's Twitter account

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Brian May this afternoon celebrated pushing for a Commons debate over a cup of tea in Portcullis House.

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