The NFU welcomes the Prime Minister’s support of the NFU’s Back British Farming Day and her recognition of farming’s importance to the nation, in Prime Ministers Questions today.
In response to a question by Edward Argar MP, Theresa May said: “I’m very happy to join my honourable friend in marking Back British Farming day and recognising the enormous contribution, the important contribution, that is made by the food and farming industry to our economy.
“I am happy to back the Back British Farming Day and, yes, we will make a success of leaving the European Union for our food and farming industry.”
Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove pledged to back British farming this week and Shadow Defra Secretary Sue Hayman, along with the rest of the Labour shadow cabinet, also pledged their support.
Over 180 MPs and peers have already signed the Back British Farming pledge today. Two farming questions were asked of the Prime Minister in PMQs and a number of prominent MPs showed their support by wearing the Back British Farming pin badge in the House of Commons today, including Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “I am really pleased to see the Prime Minister support the NFU’s Back British Farming Day and commit to deliver a successful Brexit for the food and farming industry.
“The support of the Prime Minister, her cabinet and MPs will be critically important for the nation’s supply of food and the farming sector in the future as Brexit negotiations continue.
“MPs from all political parties have joined the NFU today in its rallying call to Westminster and this cross-party support will be absolutely vital moving forward.
“It is vital that the Government recognises the strategic importance of British food and farming to our nation and that any decisions taken in Parliament reflect that.”