Suffolk’s Labour and Conservative MPs get behind NFU’s Back British Farming Day

Conservative MP James Cartlidge said there should be no change in leader. Picture: NFU (Image: NFU)

The East Anglian MPs joined the NFU in the House of Commons to show their support for British agriculture on Wednesday, September 13, as Brexit talks continue.

MPs were encouraged to wear a special Back British Farming badge during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) to demonstrate their backing for an industry that generated £1.25bn for the regional economy in 2015 and directly employs 41,000 people in the region.

Farming also underpins the work of other industries, such as vets, solicitors, agronomists, surveyors and hauliers.

Among the East Anglian MPs endorsing the campaign were Sandy Martin (Ipswich), James Cartlidge (South Suffolk), and Jo Churchill (Bury St Edmunds).

Conservatve MP Jo Churchill, who represents Bury St Edmunds, supports the NFU's Back British Farming Day. Picture: NFU (Image: NFU)

NFU regional director Robert Sheasby said: “We are grateful for this support. There has never been a more important time for our politicians to back British farming and to recognise the crucial contribution it makes within East Anglia.

“Farm businesses underpin food production, the countryside and the rural economy across the region. It is absolutely vital that our industry receives the best possible deal after Brexit to ensure that those farm businesses remain productive, profitable and progressive in the future.”

In response to a question by Edward Argar MP during PMQs, 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.”