Death threats to Brown over badgers
15 June 2000
Death threats to Brown over badgers
By Isabel Davies
FARM minister Nick Brown has received death threats over the governments continuing commitment to badger culling trials.
Speaking at the National Farmers Union council in London on Thursday (15 June), Mr Brown said he had been targeted by animal welfare activists.
But Mr Brown told the NFU his backing for the trials remained steadfast. “The government is committed to the trial and I am going to see it through.”
The controversial trials have been criticised by animal welfare groups, which dispute that there is a link between TB in badgers and TB in cattle.
Farmers have also voiced protests, claiming the link is irrefutable and that a full-scale cull should take place.
Mr Browns staff have been the target of protests from an animal welfare group which published the mobile phone numbers of ministry of agriculture “badger killers”.
Vehicles belonging to MAFF officials engaged in the work have also had their tyres slashed.
In his address Mr Brown was also firm in quashing rumours regarding agrimoney – EU compensation to offset the strength of Sterling, much of which must be paid by the Treasury .
There had been speculation this could be offered to the arable sector at a forthcoming “cereals summit”.
NFU vice-president Richard Watson Jones announced the summit would take place on 7 September and involve junior farm minister Elliot Morley.
But Mr Brown said it was unlikely the Treasury would agree to demands for agrimoney.
“I dont think it is achievable within the government. Total support to the sector is already over 1 billion a year,” he said.
Before Mr Brown took centre stage NFU president Ben Gill launched a spirited attack on groups which have been sniping at the unions British Farm Standard tractor logo.
“Its really quite sad that we have a small number of members who think they can gain something by coming out with this kind of knocking copy,” he said.
“Im not too worried about what a small number of people think. I am worried about what consumers think.
“Consumers recognise the mark and like it,” he insisted.