2026 Senedd Elections
The Senedd elections will be held on 7 May 2026. Badger Trust seeks clarity from all major political parties on their policies relating to badgers, bovine TB (bTB), and wider wildlife protection in Wales.
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In particular, we want to know their plans for wildlife and if there will be a potential badger cull, an ineffective, costly and unethical policy of mass killing badgers to control bovine TB.
It’s not a cull, it’s a slaughter.
What each Party has said
Below is a summary of references to relevant issues in party manifestos. This is provided for information only and does not represent endorsement of any party or position.
Green
No specific mention in the Welsh Manifesto. The Green Party has previously stated opposition to badger culling on a national level.
Welsh Labour
“Increase restrictions on the shooting of gamebirds, support a UK-wide ban on trail hunting, and maintain our ban on the mass culling of badgers”
Welsh Labour Manifesto 2026 Page 47
Plaid Cymru
“Maintain robust biosecurity standards, and draw on the advice of the TB Technical Advisory Group in implementing a new approach to managing bTB – one which recognises wildlife as a source of infection and enables scientifically validated control methods”
Plaid Cymru Manifesto for the Senedd Election 2026 Page 4
Welsh Conservative
“Follow the science and adopt an evidence-led approach to tackling Bovine TB in livestock and wildlife”
Welsh Conservative Party Manifesto 2026, Page 10
Reform Wales
“Reform supports a comprehensive TB control strategy that includes targeted wildlife control as part of a science-led approach, alongside testing, biosecurity measures, reporting, and cattle movement controls. Evidence will guide policy.”
Reform Wales Manifesto, page 22
Our Manifesto for Badgers
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As a registered charity, Badger Trust is non-partisan and does not endorse any party—we work to protect badgers, their setts and habitats.
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We will continue to do all we can to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation, and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats. We will work with all people who share those aims and want to see nature protected, not driven to extinction. ​
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OUR FIVE ASKS OF SENEDD CANDIDATES
Celebrate Welsh heritage: Protect badgers as part of Wales’ cultural story and natural heritage.
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Defend science-led policy: Keep Wales cull-free. Continue improving evidence-based disease control.
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Challenge misinformation: Base debate on facts, not myths & scapegoating. Lead by example in the Senedd.
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Tackle wildlife crime: Improve awareness, enforcement and reporting of badger persecution.
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Support grassroots action: Support local badger groups offering helpful services locally.​
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What you can do
Here are some easy ways you can get involved and show your support for badgers in the Senedd election. Whatever you do could make a real difference for badgers in Wales.
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Understand the benefits of badgers in Wales and the threats they face.
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Write to your Senedd candidates
​Send a letter to your Senedd candidates asking for their views on issues that affect badgers.
Raise awareness about the misinformation about badgers and bTB
The effectiveness of cattle-based measures is evident today. Wales has proven that bTB can be reduced in cattle by focusing on science-led cattle measures
Why badgers
matter to Wales
Pam mae moch daear yn bwysig i Cymru
Badgers (moch daear) are part of our natural, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
In Welsh, they're known as mochyn daear (earth pig) or broch, names that echo through our poetry, place names, and traditions. They are:
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Symbols of wisdom and resilience in Welsh folklore.
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Ecosystem engineers: helping to aerate soil, disperse seeds, and shape habitats.
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Part of the living history of our countryside.
Let’s honour their place in our past and protect their place in our future.
What we’re doing
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We have written to all the major political parties, sharing the Cymru Badger Manifesto and a list of questions about their positions and visions on associated issues affecting badgers and their habitats.
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We gave our Manifesto to all the Msc and SSc’s before parliament closed at the end of March
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We sent all Party head offices and candidates the Cymru Badger Manifesto
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We sent to over 1100 local councillors
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We sent to every TV channel, newspaper and online media in Wales
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation and protection of badgers, their setts and their habitats.
More ways you can take action for badgers
Here are some more ways you can get involved and show your support for badgers this general election. Whatever you do could make a real difference in their lives.
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