Badger culls to continue in England despite lack of scientific evidence

A badger emerging from a sett. Scientific reports have shown that killing the animals is not the most effective way to end bovine tuberculosis. Photograph: Anney P/Alamy

Badger cull licences have been issued by the government despite its own scientific adviser saying there is “no justification” for doing so.

Leaked documents seen by the Guardian show the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs this month issued 17 new licences to continue culling badgers, overruling Dr Peter Brotherton, the director of science at Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England.