Stop the Killing Bill Campaign Launch

Badger Trust condemns plans in the Planning & Infrastructure Bill to allow badger killing and sett destruction for development purposes.

Badger Trust, the leading advocate for badgers in England and Wales, has firmly denounced the government’s Planning & Infrastructure Bill, which permits the killing of badgers and the bulldozing of their setts under an Environmental Development Plan (EDP). 

These amendments directly attack the hard-won safeguards of the Protection of Badgers Act. They would pave the way for badgers to be killed or forcibly relocated for development, drainage, or the poorly defined notions of “overriding public interest.” Such vague wording creates dangerous legal loopholes and would make enforcement nearly impossible.

Badger Trust is deeply concerned that the government has received poor advice if it believes relocation or killing is a viable option for badgers. Badger populations have suffered massive declines after a decade of culling, and the impact of this Bill will further threaten populations.

Badgers are not a barrier to development. 

This was confirmed by Natural England chair, Tony Juniper, who noted that “Natural England advises thousands of developers across the nation each year to help make development projects compatible with Nature and objects to less than 1% of planning applications.” Source Natural England, 2023.

Instead of killing wildlife in pursuit of development, Badger Trust advocates for an approach that integrates badgers and other species into our planning, creating habitats that benefit both people and wildlife.

Nigel Palmer, Badger Trust Chief Executive, said:

“It’s completely false to say that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill delivers a ‘win-win’ for developers and wildlife. The government is planning to weaken legal protections for badgers, which could allow developers to kill badgers and destroy their setts. We cannot allow this to happen!” 

Take Action Now

Badger Trust urges the public to act immediately:

• Write to your MP using our template and demand they oppose Part 6 of the Bill and protect the Protection of Badgers Act. > Find your MP

• Visit your MP’s local surgery to show your commitment to protecting wildlife.

• Share this campaign: Spread the word before it’s too late. We will be posting all campaign updates on our Instagram and Facebook accounts

• Read and share our campaign briefs for you and your MP. 

• Donate to the campaign: Your gift fuels our fight to challenge the Planning & Infrastructure Bill, defend the Protection of Badgers Act, and ensure badgers have a voice when they need it most.

It’s time to end the persecution and stop this Bill —contact your MP today!