CONSERVATIVES WILL LET DOWN BRITISH FARMERS (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

CONSERVATIVES WILL LET DOWN BRITISH FARMERS

May 25, 2009 12:00 AM

Neil Bradbury and Fiona in Northumberland

The Conservatives' decision to leave the EPP political grouping in the European Parliament will let down British farmers says Fiona Hall MEP for the North East.

The Lib Dem MEP, who lives in rural Northumberland, is acutely aware of the difficulties facing North East producers and has repeatedly stood up for a fairer marketplace for British producers. She has produced a special leaflet focusing on the key concerns of farmers and rural constituents.

Fiona has opposed the compulsory electronic identification of sheep, recognising the unnecessary administrative burden this would place on farmers in the region. She has also called for the rules on pig rearing conditions to be the same across Europe, to bring an end to the unfair advantage which UK producers face due to Britain's more stringent welfare rules.

Fiona is concerned that the Conservatives' decision will deprive them of the Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, and leave British farmers without a voice in the decision-making process for farming and rural policy.

"British farmers produce food of outstanding quality to the highest environmental and animal welfare standards. They deserve to receive a fair payment for their hard work," said Fiona.

"Therefore the Conservative decision to leave the EPP will hurt British farmers at a time when they need our support."

Fiona will be speaking at the NFU's European election hustings on Wednesday 27th May at Kirkley Hall College, Ponteland, 7.30pm. The event is open to all NFU members.