And the slaughter policy itself came under attack with some asking whether or not vaccination would have been a more cost effective and appropriate way of containing the disease.

BBC: Six months of farm misery

Mr Blair said on Friday that on a visit to Dumfries and Galloway on Friday, that there were signs that the slaughter policy was having an impact but that did not rule out vaccination.

BBC: Vaccination decision awaited

Replying for Labour, shadow justice minister Andy Slaughter said public opinion should have a role in sentencing policy.

BBC: Clarke warns against longer prison sentences