MP secures Parliamentary debate on funding for Cumbrian farmers

Next Wednesday morning, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron will lead a debate in Parliament on the future of funding for local farmers.

The debate, which is entitled 'Environmental Land Management Scheme Funding For Upland Areas', will take place in Westminster Hall from 11am.

It comes as the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs revealed to Tim this week that just 25 farms in the entire Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency have signed up to the new Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Tim said: "There's never been a more uncertain time for British farming so this is a really good opportunity to put the concerns of farmers directly to ministers.

"The Government has proposed to offer upland farmers in the Lakes and Dales a payment which is a third less than other farms. Many of those farms are now facing the prospect of either going out of business or else having to intensify their farming in order to make ends meet - and damaging the environment in the process.

"As a result, our beautiful, historic Cumbrian landscapes could change dramatically for the worse in a very quick time..

"If you have any points that you would like me to put across in the debate then please do let me know."