Conservative MPs Fay Jones and James Evans have demanded an apology from the Welsh Labour Party on behalf of Brecon and Radnorshire’s farmers.
After weeks of mounting concern in the agriculture sector, protests have appeared all over Wales culminating in the largest protest ever to have taken place in Cardiff Bay. However, as the protest was taking place, a Welsh Labour MP used Prime Minister’s Questions to call the protesting farmers ‘conspiracy theorists’ and ‘extremists.’
Labour MP Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North) asked the Prime Minister: “Last weekend, the Prime Minister posed for photographs with a group that shares extremist conspiracy theories on climate change and campaigns against net zero. Does he share their views?” The Prime Minister responded by saying it was no way to talk about the Welsh farming community.
According to Brecon and Radnorshire’s representatives, this is the latest snub from Welsh Labour - with a former Labour rural affairs Minister calling the protestors ‘cranks.’
Conservative MP Fay Jones called on Brecon Labour Party to distance themselves from these views saying:
“At a time when farmers are looking to governments to support them, its appalling that a Labour MP – who grew up in Glasbury – should insult them in this way. This is exactly the sort of attitude that needs to end; we need to celebrate our farmers for the work they do to produce our food and enhance our natural environment.
The Brecon and Radnorshire Labour Party should apologise for her comments. I’m surprised they haven’t already done so.”
James Evans MS added: “As someone who has close ties to the agricultural industry, I was proud to stand with my friends and relatives in protesting against the unworkable Sustainable Farming Scheme last week. It is deeply disappointing that some politicians should want to create more division at a time when our national food security is going to be put at serious risk.
Recently, we have heard the First Minister dismiss concerns on the grounds that ‘farmers voted to leave the European Union. Last year, he told them Bovine TB was all their fault. I’m staggered that a Labour MP would double down on these views. An apology is urgently required.”
