SIMON HART AND STEPHEN CRABB HAVE THROWN BRITISH FARMERS ON THE SCRAPHEAP

Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats have warned Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb should “hang their heads in shame” for voting against measures to protect high environmental and animal welfare standards.

Conservative MPs rejected amendments to the Agriculture Bill [04/11/2020] which would have forced the UK Government to ensure that British food and animal welfare standards are maintained in any trade deals.

Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb failed to back these measures, despite over a million people signing an NFU petition calling for the UK Government to put laws in place that prevent imports of food that is produced in ways that are illegal here in the UK.

The Liberal Democrats have committed to continuing the fight to protect British farmers, including exploring further amendments to the Trade Bill.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Tina Roberts for Preseli Pembrokeshire said:

“The Conservatives promised to protect British farmers, but yesterday they betrayed that promise. 

“We now risk seeing foods that are currently illegal in the UK – like hormone treated beef, and fruit and vegetables produced using banned pesticide – making it onto our supermarket shelves.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire added “Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb should hang their heads in shame. They have let everyone across Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire down by putting Boris Johnson’s government first.”

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said:

“Unlike the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats back British farming. We want the Government to work in partnership with UK farmers to protect our world class food and animal welfare standards, cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the recovery of our natural environment.