Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Sheep Farmers

Thursday 26 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sheep farmers in Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale face vulnerability due to reliance on the EU market.
  • Lamb producers have benefited from high prices due to increased demand from China and tighter global supply.
  • Government has prepared short-term measures to support sheep farmers in case of a no-deal scenario with the EU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Sheep farming is crucial to the MP's constituency. He seeks specific steps being taken by the government to support sheep farmers.

Question

What steps he is taking to support sheep farmers. The lamb sector has historically been reliant on the EU market, making it vulnerable. Given this context, the questioner asks for concrete actions beyond high market prices and recognition of reliance on the EU.

Answer from George Eustice

Lamb producers have enjoyed high prices due to increased demand from China and tighter global supply. However, the government has plans ready to support the sector if there is a no-deal scenario, including detailed short-term measures developed 18 months ago in preparation for potential no-deals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about further reassurance and concrete details on new market identification was not fully addressed with clear commitments or timelines.

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Q2 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Upland sheep farming is critical to the MP's constituency. The question arises from a previous statement by the Secretary of State about well-developed plans in place for no-deal scenarios.

Question

I hope you did not find me very strange, Mr Speaker. Upland sheep farming is hugely important to my constituency, which is why I welcomed the Secretary of State's comments yesterday that he has well-developed plans for upland sheep farmers if a deal with the EU is not possible. Could you provide further reassurance to these farmers today?

Answer from George Eustice

In preparation for potential no-deals, the Government developed short-term measures with the Rural Payments Agency. These plans are still ready but focus more on helping identify new markets for the medium term if there is no further negotiated outcome.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about detailed reassurances and immediate support was not fully addressed with clear commitments or timelines.

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