Environment Minister Rory Stewart was today given a warm welcome at the annual celebration of the British countryside, the three-day CLA Game Fair.
The Minister, who was appointed to the Defra role in May 2015, discussed his priorities with CLA President Henry Robinson in front of a live audience this morning, chaired by Country Life Managing Editor Kate Green. These priorities included protecting the countryside and building the rural economy.
The Minister - who was Coalition Deputy Governor in Iraq, and walked 6,000 miles across Asia - then toured the show, discussing rural affairs in detail with a number of countryside organisations and show visitors.
The CLA represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses across England and Wales.
The CLA Game Fair has been the highlight of the countryside’s calendar since 1958, and is taking place this year from 31 July to 2 August at Harewood House in Yorkshire.
Environment Minister Rory Stewart said: “The countryside is hugely important to this country, contributing more than £210 billion each year.
“That’s why we’re working hard to help rural businesses grow and protect our iconic landscapes, which attract millions of domestic and international tourists each year. We hugely value the support of the CLA in these efforts to improve the environment, grow the economy and create more jobs for rural communities.”
CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The Minister’s appointment within Defra is relatively recent and we are pleased that he has spent time at the CLA Game Fair today and has taken part in our celebration of the countryside. We are also pleased that this event provides a platform for those who live and work in rural areas to highlight their views and concerns to the politicians that hold sway over their lives and livelihoods.
“The CLA and visitors to our Game Fair have given the Minister a warm welcome today and we will continue to represents the interests of rural businesses to Mr Stewart and his colleagues.”
