Government should admit responsibility for foot and mouth fiasco-Farron

Shadow Secretary of State for DEFRA Tim Farron MP has described today's announcement that Hilary Benn has agreed to accept all 26 of the main recommendations made by Sir Iain Anderson as a "smokescreen" to cover up the Government's failure to accept overall responsibility for the initial outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2007.

Commenting Mr Farron said;

"The Government's response to the Anderson review is positive and it's clear that they're intent on trying to put in place the mechanisms needed to prevent the type of meltdown we experienced following the 2007 foot and mouth outbreak.

"But once again they've failed to admit responsibility for the initial outbreak. Instead of hiding behind a smokescreen of details and recommendations, the Government should finally admit their responsibility for the 2007 foot and mouth fiasco.

"I know of hill farmers in my constituency who suffered to the tune of £10,000 as a result of the Government's incompetence but received just £800 in compensation.

"What's unbelievable is that most farmers received absolutely nothing in the way of compensation from the Government.

"In any other industry, this level of Government incompetence wouldn't be tolerated. Until the Government finally shoulders the blame, the farming industry should continue to remain sceptical over this Government's ability to handle any further outbreaks of foot and mouth."