Back in August I wrote to the Government to ask about its plans to end the cruel badger cull. Those of us who had long campaigned against this “inhuman, unscientific and ineffective” practice – to quote the experts – were really pleased when the Government announced its intention to wind down culling, only to be disappointed when culling this autumn was extended to another 11 areas, with a scheduled 62,00 badger deaths.

I have now, over 3 months later, received this disappointing response. You do have to wonder whether the delay was deliberate, given that the autumn culling will now have gone ahead.

I will of course continue to press the Government to stick to its promise to end cruel and unnecessary culls in future.