As a previous worker for the RSPCA and cats Protection I understand how important animal welfare is. The Liberal democrats have strongly supported animal welfare in parliament and will continue to do so.

I was unable to attend the Westminster Halls debate on badger culling this October, however I do believe it is an important issue and I should like to attend future debates, particularly if it is brought to the House of Commons. 

We are calling on the Government to develop safe, effective, humane, and evidence-based ways of controlling TB, including by investing to produce workable vaccines and surveillance measures that minimises harm to badgers and cattle.

A 2024 study found that vaccinating badgers would be more effective than culling them, to control TB outbreaks. The study found that the percentage of badgers testing positive for TB fell from 16% to zero following vaccination. (Source).

We understand the serious issues around vaccinating badgers and that it can often seem an idealistic solution. We urge the Government to conduct further research into improving the delivery of badger vaccination. In power, we would heavily invest into producing workable vaccines as part of our solution.

Vaccinating East Sussex Badgers (VESBA) is a local organisation working to train farmers in vaccinating badgers, thereby encouraging them to abandon the practice of badger culling. You can find out more about them here.