DUP defends vote on Agriculture Bill

The legislation which came before Parliament last Wednesday included an amendment tabled by Neil Parish, Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton, which sought to protect UK farmers from low-standard food imports.

The clause, which would have prevented future trade deals from allowing food into the UK not produced to the standards required of farmers and processors within the UK, was defeated by 328 to 277 votes – a majority of 51 – after failing to receive the support of the Conservative government.

In last Saturday’s Farming Life columnist Richard Halleron said he ‘can’t come up with one single reason why they (the DUP MPs) would ever contemplate voting for such a potentially damaging piece of legislation, where farming and food in Northern Ireland are concerned.’

He added: “The new Agriculture Bill – soon to become an Act of Parliament – lays open a path for unfettered food imports into the UK with little or no cognisance taken of the standards achieved when it comes to producing this food in the first place.”

In response Carla Lockhart said: “In Richard Halleron’s column last week he questioned why DUP MPs would have voted for the UK Agriculture Bill. The short answer to Richard’s question is to provide some security for farmers across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. Without that legislative platform in place it would have created difficulties for the continuation of payments to farmers beyond this year and also to make new commitments for Pillar 2 schemes. There would be few farmers that would argue for the creation of even more short-term uncertainty and problems to allay a much longer-term potential fear.

“DUP MPs do recognise concerns that were raised about the Bill, and it was for that reason we voted for a number of amendments that were tabled to the Bill. We had discussions with stakeholders in the industry locally, including the Ulster Farmers’ Union around this process,” she added.

“The reality of life within a Parliament where the Government has a commanding majority means that attempting to seek influence wherever possible is how progress is made.

“While the amendments did not unfortunately receive the necessary support, it has raised the profile of the issue and I have no doubt applied pressure on the Government when even some senior Conservative MPs voted against the Government on a number of the amendments.

“In light of that outcome, it was a difficult balance when faced with a vote on the Bill as a whole but faced with all the issues, it was the right thing to do.

“I do regret that this column did not present all the facts and consider all the ramifications of not having the legislative platform for the delivery of much needed direct support. Given Covid 19 and depressed markets I believe it would be wrong to create more uncertainty.

“The issue of food security has been highlighted clearly in recent weeks through the COVID-19 crisis and the disruption of supply chains. However, that issue is not limited solely to agriculture, and some of the issues Richard raises are not matters that will be legislated for by DEFRA, but will form part of wider trade policy going forward,” added Carla Lockhart.

“The events of recent weeks have only reinforced the importance of having produce of the highest quality produced locally with a security of supply.

“Whether that is in food or other products, we will work with the Government in London and in the Executive locally to support our farmers and secure the best possible outcome.

“Farmers like any other business at present however need certainty to ensure they survive in the short-term before they can even face the longer-term challenges.”