Lib Dems condemn ‘savage’ Tory cuts to Agriculture Funding

Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats have criticised the UK Conservative Government for slashing Welsh agriculture funding by 28% in the November Spending Review.

In the spending review, presented by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week, the UK Government announced funding for Welsh agriculture would total £242million for the next year.

This is in contrast to the £337million of EU funding currently given to Wales, a drop of £95million – roughly 28%. This goes against the Conservative’s explicit manifesto pledge to protect the money currently received by farmers.

The announcement has been strongly criticised by the Farmers Union of Wales and reflects concerns from farmers across Wales that the future of their funding is at risk.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are now calling on the two local Conservative MPs, Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb, to speak out against the move and vote against the spending review if the decision is not reversed.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said:

“Farmers across Wales will rightly feel let down by the announcement made in last week’s spending review. Apparently doing ‘whatever it takes’ does not extend to supporting our farmers.

“This Conservative Government was elected on an explicit promise to protect the future of farming funding – now we see that promise was hollow. These savage cuts will decimate farms, big and small, if they are not reversed.”

Tina Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Preseli Pembrokeshire said:

“Now is the time for our two MPs to find their backbone and take a stand for our farmers. Will they stand by their manifesto commitment, or will they continue to loyally toe the party line and attempt to spin their way out of this situation?

“The Liberal Democrats will oppose their move and continue to fight to protect the funding our farmers rely upon.”