51AVÊÓÆµ

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes badger cull pledge while on General Election trail at Devon farm

The Prime Minister said the Conservatives had been the only party to make a commitment to continue badger culling

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes badger cull pledge while on General Election trail at Devon farm

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to keep the badger cull while on a General Election campaign trail at a farm in Devon.

During a question and answer session on farm in Devon which Farmers Guardian was invited to, Mr Sunak confirmed his party would commit to continuing the badger cull.

When pressed by a farmer about the need for the cull to continue, an issue highlighted recently by the Labour Party's pledge to end the cull in its General Election manifesto, Mr Sunak emphatically agreed to the commitment.

WATCH NOW:

READ NOW: EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - "We're sticking to our plan to back Britain's farmers"

"Yes of course," he added.

"I have seen first hand the absolute devastation TB has on farm businesses.

"I grew up in a small family business and it was our life.

"When something happens to that business, it affects you not just financially but emotionally and psychologically.

"I am pleased we are making progress.

"The outbreaks this year have been the lowest in 20 years.

"Part of that is because of the success of badger culls which have brought incidence rates down by 50 per cent.

"That plan is working and I can give you that commitment.

"I do believe in the science and a vaccine is good but it will take time.

"This means culls need to be part of the solution.

"I can give you that reassurance and we are the only party that can give you that commitment."

READ NOW: Rishi Sunak named the 'countryside candidate' at the next General Election by veterinary MP

More on Politics

Reform deputy Richard Tice says ditching 'duff' regulations is key to boosting self-sufficiency

Reform deputy Richard Tice says ditching 'duff' regulations is key to boosting self-sufficiency

Speaking to FG, Mr Tice said Reform would back 'farmers to the hilt' in order to build on their ambition

Jane Thynne
clock 05 September 2026 • 2 min read
Government launches call for evidence on gamebird shooting

Government launches call for evidence on gamebird shooting

The Countryside Alliance said the move was ‘yet another unnecessary and unjustified attack’ on the countryside

Alex Black
clock 05 September 2026 • 2 min read
Reform pledges to back British farmers as Party Conference gets off to controversial start

Reform pledges to back British farmers as Party Conference gets off to controversial start

New document targets food security stating that the first job of Government is to make sure the nation can be fed

Jane Thynne
clock 04 September 2026 • 3 min read