Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border spoke in the Agriculture Bill debate this week in Parliament and voted for an important amendment on farming and welfare standards.
During the third reading of the Bill that proposes the biggest reform of British farming since 1945, Dr Hudson welcomed the new legislation and encouraged his colleagues to join him in support of amendment NC2; a clause introduced to protect and uphold high animal health and welfare and environmental standards.
Dr Hudson welcomed the principle behind public monies being paid for public goods, saying “it is excellent that animal health and welfare and environmental protection and management are clearly articulated as public goods.” The MP also expressed his support of a regular status report on food security produced every five years, however urged the Secretary of State to conduct the review more frequently.
A member of the EFRA Select Committee, Dr Hudson voiced his strong support for amendments pertaining to animal health and welfare.
“These amendments to the Bill will ensure that any imports are equivalent or indeed exceed our domestic standards. […] This will benefit our own farmers and animals, but also ultimately farmers and animals around the world.”
“I voted for this amendment but sadly it did not pass. I will continue to stand up for our Cumbrian farmers and push that the Government uphold our high animal health and welfare and environmental standards in any future trade deals.”
For Dr Neil Hudson MP’s full speech, visit https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2020-05-13/debates/D4889925-5B63-498E-BC68-BFCF91691C66/AgricultureBill#contribution-C24883D7-E66E-4D6A-B625-2C50EB50594D
