Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes badger cull pledge while on General Election trail at Devon farm

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to keep the badger cull while on a General Election campaign trail at a farm in Devon.

During a question and answer session on farm in Devon which Farmers Guardian was invited to, Mr Sunak confirmed his party would commit to continuing the badger cull.

When pressed by a farmer about the need for the cull to continue, an issue highlighted recently by the Labour Party's pledge to end the cull in its General Election manifesto, Mr Sunak emphatically agreed to the commitment.

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"Yes of course," he added.

"I have seen first hand the absolute devastation TB has on farm businesses.

"I grew up in a small family business and it was our life.

"When something happens to that business, it affects you not just financially but emotionally and psychologically.

"I am pleased we are making progress.

"The outbreaks this year have been the lowest in 20 years.

"Part of that is because of the success of badger culls which have brought incidence rates down by 50 per cent.

"That plan is working and I can give you that commitment.

"I do believe in the science and a vaccine is good but it will take time.

"This means culls need to be part of the solution.

"I can give you that reassurance and we are the only party that can give you that commitment."

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