A High Court judge has today granted the NFU and a number of other claimants an interim injunction to protect farmers in and around the pilot cull areas from unlawful actions by those opposed to the badger cull. The Badger Trust also said it is relieved that lawful protest against the pointless Badger cull has been protected by the High Court.
 
The injunction, handed out by Mr. Justice Turner, is aimed at preventing those opposed to the cull from carrying out a number of unlawful acts against farmers and landowners. Speaking after the judgment, NFU President Peter Kendall welcomed the decision.

Kendall said "Let's be clear from the start, this has never been about preventing people from holding legitimate and legal protests. This injunction is about stopping those intent on totally unacceptable incidents of harassment and threats made against a number of farmers and landowners in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset by those opposed to the badger cull.

The Badger Trust claim that the NFU's initial application was not accepted and after hearing argument by the Badger Trust a far more reasoned and balanced order was made protecting the rights of the Badger Trust and others to campaign for a change in this foolhardy policy.  Mr Justice Turner confirmed the importance of protecting the right to protest and made an order against harassment of those involved in the cull and was keen to protect people's homes.
 
The NFU in a statement this afternoon said "For beef and dairy farmers dealing with TB on their farms, these badger culls are an essential part in the fight against this terrible disease. Opinion is divided, so, while we recognise that not everyone agrees with the government’s TB eradication policy, and the need to cull badgers to start to reduce this disease in cattle, we do acknowledge their legitimate right to hold peaceful protests. What we cannot condone are the actions being used by extreme activists designed to harass, intimidate and threaten others.

The High Court ruling means no protest will be allowed to take place within 100m of the homes, and within 25m of businesses, of anyone involved, according to the BBC

It is reported in national newspapers that sources at Defra have informed them that the cull is expected to begin on the night of 26 August.