The Prime Minister has lent her support to the farming industry during yesterday's Back British Farming Day, recognising the industry's importance to the nation.
In response to a question by Edward Argar MP, Theresa May said: “I’m very happy to join my honourable friend in marking Back British Farming day and recognising the enormous contribution, the important contribution, that is made by the food and farming industry to our economy.
“I am happy to back the Back British Farming Day and, yes, we will make a success of leaving the European Union for our food and farming industry.”
Defra Secretary of State Michael Gove pledged to back British farming this week and Shadow Defra Secretary Sue Hayman, along with the rest of the Labour shadow cabinet, also pledged their support.
Over 180 MPs and peers signed the Back British Farming pledge yesterday.
The special day was a rallying call to encourage MPs to use their position in Westminster to support farming, particularly in forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
MPs wore the specially-made pin badges, made from British wheat and wool to represent the ‘horn and corn’ elements of British farming.
Defra Secretary Michael Gove said that Government should support farmers to become "more efficient, more productive and more competitive".
And during Brexit, Mr Gove said he wants Government to "support farmers more than ever", not just to export to new markets but also to ensure that domestics and European markets continue to benefit from high quality British produce.
'Rallying call'
Two farming questions were asked to the Prime Minister in yesterday's PMQs and a number of prominent MPs showed their support by wearing the badge in the House of Commons, including Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
National Farmers' Union (NFU) President Meurig Raymond said the union is "pleased" to see the Prime Minister support Back British Farming Day and commit to deliver a successful Brexit for the food and farming industry.
He said: “The support of the Prime Minister, her cabinet and MPs will be critically important for the nation’s supply of food and the farming sector in the future as Brexit negotiations continue.
“MPs from all political parties have joined the NFU today in its rallying call to Westminster and this cross-party support will be absolutely vital moving forward.
“It is vital that the Government recognises the strategic importance of British food and farming to our nation and that any decisions taken in Parliament reflect that.”
