PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP
WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Labour's Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary, Steve Reed, reaffirmed Labour's commitment to backing farmers in Bedfordshire on a visit to a local farm on Monday [15 April].
Joined by local MP Alistair Strathern on a visit to Oldfield Farm in Henlow, Mr Reed set out Labour's plans to slash red tape at UK borders, which he says is preventing the export of high-quality British produce.
In addition, Mr Reed pledged to invest in home-grown energy, as farmers have been hit by skyrocketing energy prices, with the price of animal feed and fertiliser more than doubling over the last year.
Labour's Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
“The Conservatives have wrecked our rural economy in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
“Red tape at the borders and eye watering energy bills have forced farmers out of business, with many good local jobs lost.
“Labour will give farmers in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire their future back. We will cut energy bills for farmers, slash red tape at our borders to get food exports moving again, and use the Government’s own purchasing power to back British produce.”
Mid Bedfordshire MP Alistair Strathern said:
"One of my key priorities is being a strong voice for farmers here in Bedfordshire and across our region, so it was great to welcome Steve Reed here to see the amazing work local farmers do.
"Sadly, fourteen years of the Conservatives has left farmers in Bedfordshire struggling to afford the rising costs of energy and vital machinery.
"I'm pleased that Labour has pledged to back our farmers, with a decade of national renewal that puts the countryside at its heart."
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