Farron calls on UK Govt to do more to support suffering farmers

In light of today's announcement by the Scottish Government that they will be providing extra funding for Scottish farmers to help cope with the devastation caused by the recent extreme weather conditions, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has called on the UK Government to offer similar financial support for English farmers who are suffering too.

Recent weather conditions, which have seen unseasonably cold temperatures and high levels of snow fall, have caused huge destruction to farms and livestock across the north and North West of England. Snow drifts as deep as 25ft have in some cases buried whole flocks of sheep, brought down buildings and blocked roads.

The full impact of these unexpected weather conditions, which will have had a huge impact in the lambing season, will not be known until a significant thaw takes place, but farmers are already predicting an incredibly tough few months following what has already been a difficult winter period in 2012.

The NFU is already running a Fodder Bank to help struggling farmers to access feed for their livestock. Tim is calling on the Government to recognise the struggle that will be faced by farmers to stay afloat in light of the recent weather, and do all they can to support farmers financially.

Commenting Tim said: "The weather across the North and North West England has been completely devastating for many farmers with hundreds of sheep lost as they've been buried under snow and what should be an enjoyable lambing season threatened with complete destruction.

"In Scotland they have found a way to provide extra financial support to Scottish farmers and the Welsh Government are already looking into making an offer to Welsh farmers to it is absolutely right that the UK Government should look to offer financial support to English farmers.

"The risk we face now is the potential of income losses and increased costs as a result of the weather creating a situation that could threaten the existence of our farming industry in the North West so it is absolutely vital that we find a way to ensure the continued existence of our English farms through this difficult period."