South Lakes MP to lead debate in Parliament on the future of Cumbrian hill farming
Tomorrow (12th February), local MP Tim Farron will spearhead a debate in Parliament to make the case for the Government to secure the future of Cumbria's hill farmers.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Tim, who is also chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hill Farming said: "Our hill farmers are absolutely vital to our local economy, our beautiful landscape and our ability to feed ourselves.
"However, with the removal of the Basic Payment Scheme which makes up to 80% of their income, and still with no clear idea about the scheme that will replace it - farmers face crippling uncertainty over the next few years.
"Rolling out schemes before they are ready can have a catastrophic impact. Surely the lessons from Universal Credit should have taught the Government that removing the current support before the new system is properly tested and ready to implement is utterly ludicrous.
"MPs in rural constituencies like mine must continue to fight and tooth and nail for our hill farmers before it's too late."
The debate takes place at Westminster Hall from 4.30pm.