MPs welcomes news that Defra will raise livestock compensation

Cumbrian MPs Tim Farron and Rory Stewart have welcomed the news that Defra will now give extra support to livestock farmers blighted by the recent bad weather.

Defra has announced farmers will receive 90% of the cost of removing sheep killed in snow, up from the expected 75%. This comes after a high profile campaign by Cumbrian MPs Tim Farron and Rory Stewart.

After the snowstorms of March this year, the government made £250,000 available to help English farmers in the worst-hit areas with the costs of collecting fallen stock, but MPs wanted more. Just over 1,000 farmers are eligible for the scheme. All will receive funds by the end of this month.

Tim Farron MP said: "The weather across the North and North West England has been completely devastating for many farmers. Hundreds of sheep were lost, buried under snow, and what should be an enjoyable lambing season was threatened with complete destruction. Working with Rory we were able to secure £250,000 for livestock farmers but we knew more was needed. I am pleased the government have listened to us and offered even more support."

Rory Stewart MP said: "The harsh winter we experienced this year came on the back of eighteen uninterrupted months of miserable weather. Tim and I were absolutely determined to do all we could to try and alleviate the economic, the physical, and the emotional toll that this has taken on our farmers, and we are delighted that Defra listened to our calls and have made this compensation available, in addition to the initial funding commitment of £250,000."