MP welcomes Defra minister today

South Lakes MP Tim Farron welcomed Defra minister Dan Rogerson MP to the South Lakeland Auction Mart this morning to meet with farmers and broadband campaigners.

The meeting discussed flooding issues, especially in Longsleddale, CAP reform and superfast broadband roll out in Cumbria.

Tim and campaigners pressed for more clarity from BT about the broadband roll out. Dan agreed to take that to back to the government. Tim is continuing to call for the release of the 'roll out maps' for the county. Currently the council are saying the roll out is going well but the public, campaigners and politicians have no way of holding the council to account.

Tim said: "I want to thank Dan for coming today (and leaving Cornwall at 3:30am to make sure he made our meeting!). We discussed CAP reform, flooding issues and broadband. Dan agreed to make sure Defra listen to local farmers and agreed to meet me again so we can chase these issues up.

"I had invited Dan to come to Cumbria and see first hand the fantastic work of local farmers - he saw it and had nothing but praise for our local farmers. He understood the commitment of our farming community and their importance of preserving Cumbria's living landscape."