Tim Farron urges Government to protect Cumbria’s farms after foot and mouth disease case confirmed in Germany

Local MP Tim Farron has pressed the Minister for Farming to do everything in his power to protect Cumbria’s farms from the potential threat of foot and mouth disease.

Last week, the UK introduced a ban on pigs, sheep and cattle imports from Germany after a case of foot and mouth disease was confirmed in the country.

The last outbreak of foot and mouth in the UK was in 2001 when over 6 million cows and sheep were slaughtered on farms in an attempt to halt the disease. Cumbria was the worst affected area of the country, with 893 cases.

Speaking during an Urgent Question in the House of Commons, Tim said: “I confess that all of us in Westmorland and across rural Britain feel a sense of terror at this news, as we recall the devastation and horror of the 2001 outbreak. 

“I will never forget the looming sense of dread and threat as the disease got closer to our farms, or the dread when the disease was diagnosed and whole herds and flocks were slaughtered by those who had cared for them; nor will I forget the burning fires on the hillsides of the bodies of slaughtered animals, or the deep trauma that affected all our communities, but especially our children. We must do everything to avoid a repeat.

“Can the Minister explain why this outbreak was notified on Friday, yet DEFRA issued instructions to prevent imports from the affected areas only yesterday, when countries such as Mexico and South Korea were able to act over the weekend?

“Does he now acknowledge the urgent need to invest in the APHA and the new laboratory, and undo the delay of the previous Government? Does he accept that the failure of the previous Government - and, so far, of his Government - to sign a veterinary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU increases the risks to biosecurity and to British farmers, and will he act swiftly to put that right? Finally, will he meet urgently the noble Lord Curry, who headed the inquiry after the 2001 outbreak, so that we are ready and have learned all the lessons of previous failures, and so that our farms, rural communities and animal welfare are protected at all costs?”

In response, the Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “I am always happy to speak to Lord Curry, who brings huge expertise and knowledge.

“I will just say to the honourable gentleman that there was no delay - essentially, as soon as we were informed, we put the appropriate processes in place, and staff at border control points were issued instructions to hold goods at the border. Everything was done as quickly as possible.

“I hear the honourable gentleman’s point about our relationship with the German Government. I know the German Minister personally, and I spoke to him yesterday. I can assure the honourable gentleman that we are getting every co-operation needed from the German Government.”