AS THE Government seems determined to ignore public opinion and scientific evidence and impose a badger cull (Wednesday’s Oxford Mail), just to appease the powerful farming lobby – who of course would far rather have a shooting free-for-all than improve their own welfare standards – then those who are utterly dismayed by this barbaric proposal have a simple but effective weapon with which to fight back.

A boycott of British dairy and beef products is the only remaining option and is simple and effective.

Opinion polls reveal that many millions of people oppose the cull and, translated into potential losses in revenue for farmers, that would be a serious counter-attack.

The blinkered and self-serving farming community need to realise that there are plenty of alternatives to their products and as for the Government, one would have thought they were in enough trouble already, without plunging their popularity and credibility further into the abyss with this unspeakably cruel plan.

PENNY LITTLE, Back Way, Great Haseley