Farron invites new Defra ministers to Cumbria

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to the new ministerial team at Defra today, inviting them to come to Cumbria and meet with farmers and businesses to talk about the rural economy.

Tim has invited both the new Secretary of State Owen Paterson and the Minister of State David Heath to come to the county.

Commenting, Tim said: "I have today invited Owen and David to come to Cumbria and see first hand the fantastic work of local farmers. I want them to understand the commitment of our farming community and understand the importance of preserving Cumbria's living landscape.

"I was sad to see Jim Paice leave Defra, he was a great minister and understood the sector and you could tell he loved farming and was a strong voice. However, the appointment of the first ever Liberal Democrat Defra Minister - David Heath, an MP from a very rural farming constituency - is extremely good news for Cumbria. I will now do everything I can to work with the new Defra team and fight for a good deal for Cumbria."