Badger cull challenge fails

The Badger Trust says its disappointed its challenge against a planned badger cull has failed Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

The Badger Trust has lost its High Court challenge against a planned badger cull in Gloucestershire and West Somerset. The Government says that culling will help combat cattle tuberculosis, which costs the UK more than £100 million per year. This afternoon the challenge against a decision upholding proposals for the two pilot culls was unanimously rejected at the Court of Appeal.

The decision was a blow for the Badger Trust which said England now faces the prospect of 40,000 badgers being "pointlessly killed" over the next four years. Despite the latest setback, The Badger Trust says it will 'not give up' on its campaign.

Queen guitarist Brian May is leading a public rally in Bristol this evening against Government plans to reduce badger numbers. Campaigners will wear badger costumes.