Rugby and Bulkington’s Member of Parliament has recognised the vital role that West Midlands farmers contribute to the economy, the countryside and food production by pledging to Back British Farming in Westminster last week.
Farming in the West Midlands contributes £828 million to the local economy and provides 42,903 jobs on top of the safe, affordable food farmers produce and British countryside they maintain. In addition to its role producing food, farming also supports the work of other industries, such as vets, solicitors, surveyors and feed merchants.
The event in Westminster was held by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and saw MPs from across the country show their support for farming ahead of a crucial period for British farming as the Brexit negotiations begin. Mark has previously met with a number of farmers from across Rugby when he invited the previous Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Andrea Leadsom MP, to discuss the Government’s plans for the future of the farming industry as we leave the European Union.
Speaking after the event, Mark said:
“Rugby and Bulkington, as a rural constituency, has many local farmers and the farming community is key part of our economy. The range of goods and skills provided by modern farms is often far more diverse than people realise, with Rugby farmers doing everything from providing delicious local produce to creating clean energy from biofuels.”
Mark continued:
“That is why I joined MPs from across the country in Backing British farming. We must ensure that ensure our decisions in Parliament reflect the strategic importance of British food and farming to the nation, particularly as we negotiate our exit from the European Union. That is why I arranged for the former Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Andrea Leadsom MP, to visit Rugby and meet with local farmers and members of the National Union of Famers to discuss their concerns in detail.”
Mark concluded:
“As one of the sectors that will be most affected by Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, it is critical that as politicians we create the right environment to ensure our farmers can continue to provide the great and affordable British produce which the public enjoy.”