Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to requests to extend the TB control pilot cull of badgers in Somerset and Gloucestershire, said:

“The extension of these badger cull trials demonstrates that the Government’s approach is not working, which is hardly surprising when it was not based on any scientific evidence. There is now a real danger that even longer trials could exacerbate spread of TB as more badgers flee, risking infecting cattle in other areas. Eradicating TB from cattle is vital for farmers, the wider rural economy, taxpayers and wildlife which is why we need a science-based approach focussed on vaccination of cattle and badgers and proper restrictions on the movement of livestock.

“Instead of going to ground, Owen Paterson should have immediately come before parliament to explain what has gone wrong with his badger cull.”