Lib Dems force vote on Conservative plans to slash farmers’ Basic Payments

The Basic Payment scheme has been repeatedly cut back by this Conservative Government, being slashed by up to 25% last year, with further cuts planned this year.

Liberal Democrats are demanding these cuts stop and the payments maintained in full until the successor Environmental Land Management Scheme is up and running.

The Liberal Democrats opposed the statutory instrument leading to a vote of XXX against and XXX for, meaning this legislation will continue despite the significant harm this Government motion will cause for farmers.

Opposing the motion, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord said:
"Devon has some of the best farmers in the world and I am proud that Liberal Democrats stand shoulder to shoulder with all those helping create our incredible produce.

“It’s shocking that this Conservative Government is slashing half of farmer’s Basic Payments this year when the new scheme is still not ready.

“With rising food prices, a shortage of fruit and veg and the threat to food security, it is shocking that Ministers are risking farmers' very livelihoods by failing to support them properly.

"This rank failure to support our farmers has directly led to tomato greenhouses being empty - and their response is to tell people to eat turnips instead.

“Liberal Democrats are calling for the government to halt the cuts in basic payments until the new, better Environmental Land Management scheme is available to everyone.

“I will continue to fight tooth and nail to ensure this happens and our farmers get the certainty they deserve.”