5 March 2019
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin meet with farmers from Pershore and Upton to discuss the challenges they are facing as Brexit approaches. Local members of the National Farmers’ Union briefed Harriett on the challenges they are facing planning for Brexit while the House of Commons still has to approve a withdrawal agreement. The farmers also raised issues concerning rural crime, challenges recruiting staff and the problems emerging following a hot summer and dry winter. Harriett commented: “It was useful to hear the views of local farmers, who are in the middle of lambing and planting crops while there are still significant issues surrounding the formal process of leaving the European Union later this month. “We all agreed that the most important thing is to deliver certainty for local people, which will come from the majority of MPs backing the withdrawal agreement as quickly as possible. “I encouraged them the make sure their voices are heard as MPs debate the matter further in the coming weeks. I support the withdrawal agreement which will allow for an orderly departure and start on the journey of securing the best possible trading arrangement with European partners and other countries across the world. “It was also troubling to hear of the instances of rural crime that they had all experienced and I have agreed to raise this matter with the Police and Crime Commissioner as a matter of some urgency.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP (centre) with farmers from the Upton and Pershore NFU branch at Pegoty Hedge Farm near Upton-upon-Severn.