Welsh badger cull review to conclude by Christmas

A statement on Wales’ proposed badger cull looks likely to be made before Christmas, it has been announced.

Alun Davies, deputy farming minister in Wales, said he expected the review process to be completed in December.

“John Griffiths (Wales’ environment minister) is hoping to make a statement before Christmas,’’ he told NFU Cymru’s autumn conference at Builth Wells on Thursday (3 November).

Mr Davies and the Welsh Government had been criticised at the conference by farmer, Richard Tudor, for failing farmers on bovine TB eradication following the change of government in May.

“How can we trust you when you have let us down so badly?’’ he asked Mr Davies.

But the minister insisted that the review decision had the backing of the people of Wales.

“Democracy delivers many things, a change of government and a change of policy,’’ said Mr Davies.

“The people of Wales have the right to have a government that delivers its manifesto pledges. If we had ripped up the manifesto, that’s when trust breaks down.

“We have a democratic mandate from the people of Wales on this issue.’’

Have your say on the Welsh badger cull proposals