Minette Batters, President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), has bolstered the campaign to save Newton Rigg College. This comes after Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border wrote a letter to the Prime Minister last week, co-signed by MPs from Cumbria, the Borderlands and neighbouring region, asking for his backing in securing a viable future for the College, the only Agricultural College in Cumbria.
There is now a short window of opportunity when interested parties can resubmit a proposal to the Department for Education’s Further Education Commissioner, ensuring that they are compliant with the necessary criteria to take over the College. Dr Hudson is working with stakeholders in this process of re-submission. The College trains students to go into the rural economy and health and social care sector, and it can play a vital role in helping to achieve the Government-led initiatives to reach net-zero carbon emissions, working for food security and upskilling our communities.
Minette Batters said:
“I was very happy to support Neil’s campaign to save Newton Rigg College. Institutions such as Newton Rigg are essential in educating the farmers of tomorrow. I know Neil has been a champion of agricultural interests and animal welfare in his constituency since he entered Parliament and this campaign further demonstrates that. I will give Neil all my support to help save Newton Rigg. Agricultural Colleges like Newton Rigg have a massive role to play in levelling up rural Britain. The British farming industry needs Newton Rigg and I urge everyone to work together with Government to secure a smooth transition to a new provider. Importantly, Newton Rigg can play a role in achieving the Government’s net-zero and environmental goals as those educated there will be the ones implementing and driving the necessary changes in the years to come.”
Commenting, Dr Neil Hudson said:
“I am delighted to have the support of Minette Batters and the NFU as the future of Newton Rigg enters a crucial stage. The local and regional NFU have always been very supportive of my campaign to save Newton Rigg and I am thrilled that Minette has added her national voice. The NFU is an influential organisation in the agricultural sector, with over 55,000 members and having them lend their voice adds to the groundswell of local opinion that is opposed to the closure of the College. Cumbrian and British farming needs Newton Rigg. Our fight continues and I continue to call on Askham Bryan College to work with stakeholders and Government to facilitate the survival of Newton Rigg run by a new provider.”
