UK Government Cancels Targeted Badger Culls

The Labour government has abandoned plans for targeted badger culling proposed by the previous Conservative administration, a decision triggered by a legal challenge from ecologist Tom Langton. While the new government has scrapped future culling plans, existing licenses for badger culling will continue, including a new consultation for a cull in Cumbria's Low-Risk Areas. Critics, including Langton, argue that the continuation of culling contradicts Labour's manifesto pledge that deemed it ineffective. The government is expected to reauthorize more than 20 culling areas, potentially leading to the death of up to 20,000 badgers in the coming months. Environmental advocates express cautious relief over the decision to halt targeted culling but remain concerned about ongoing culling practices. The government plans to launch a fresh review of its bovine TB policy amidst ongoing debates about the effectiveness of badger culling in managing cattle diseases.