Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP, Tom Blenkinsop, today (May 12th 2011) called on the Environment Secretary to protect our badgers during DEFRA Oral Questions on the Floor of the House of Commons.
Tom said, “I have had many constituents write to me about protecting badgers. Unlike many other animals, badgers occupy a special place in the hearts of many. It is, therefore, important we act very sensitively when dealing with this issue.”
“I have listened carefully to the views of scientists, farming, veterinary and wildlife organisations, and taken on board my constituents concerns. I have even discussed the issue with former Environment Secretary Hilary Benn and I am not convinced that a badger cull is the way forward. A cull would be very expensive and would, in my view, be less effective in the long term than the vaccine programme.”
“I understand, and take seriously, the health concerns stemming from bovine TB, but a vaccination programme would be much more effective in the long term.”
“I am going to badger the weasels in government to make sure that such a destructive policy is not acted upon.”
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