Labour MP Angela Rayner has ignited a Twitter debate by using a Wind in the Willows meme to showcase her opposition to the badger cull.
Ms Rayner, who is Shadow Secretary of State for Education, tweeted: "As Tories gear up for the new badger cull, l will work with those who oppose the dreadful murder and slaughter of our badgers #StopTheCull".
She proceeded to attach an image of a satirical drawing from the Wind and the Willows with the caption "RATTY and MOLE search in vain for their friend BADGER but he's been murdered by the Tories".
A supplementary cull has recently been given the green light in Somerset and Gloucestershire.
After a controversial reaction from other social media users, Ms Rayner tweeted again her opposition to badger culling, referring to those who defend it as "badger killers" and that she "stood with our badgers".
Twitter user Nick Hiscox (@mendipfarmerAngela) responded to Miss Rayner: "But what do you say to the guy who lost 50 cows this week, he has a closed herd and has no contact with neighbouring herds? Tough?"
Wyevalley Herd (@WyevalleyHerd) said: "What is YOUR strategy for dealing with TB in both wildlife and farm stock? Surely as shadow Ed u should review science and consult experts??"
Mike Weavers? (@Weaves14 said): "You do realise that rural reality is not like Wind in the Willows? What's your solution to bTB breakdowns? #positive"
