Powys MP meets Government Minister over bluetongue crisis

Powys County Times

2 days ago

A Powys MP has met with a Government minister over the crisis for sheep farmers that could be coming due to Bluetongue restrictions.
MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, met with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales Dame Nia Griffith to discuss the issue which has farmers either side of the Welsh Border alarmed.
Mr Chadwick was also able to secure invitations for Matthew Nicholls - Director at Hereford Market Auctioneers & Welsh representative of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Simon Edwards - the Chairman of McCartneys to join the meeting with the Minister.
From July 1 sheep farmers will be required to pay for a bluetongue test for the animals to cross into Wales from England which may cost as much as £70 per animal.
The move has been met with horror by local farmers who in some cases will face a bill of as much as £25,000 to move sheep from one part of their land to another.
During the meeting, Mr Chadwick explained the situation facing farmers on the Welsh border and the economic impact facing farmers and local livestock markets in Knighton, Talgarth, Builth Wells, Hereford and Welshpool.
Both Mr Nicholls and Mr Edwards explained directly to the Minister the scale of the threat faced by local farmers and livestock markets as a result of the effective hard border for sheep travelling between England and Wales.
Following the meeting, Under-Secretary of State for Wales Dame Nia Griffith said she will seek to work with the Welsh Government to find a solution.
'I'm very grateful to the Minister for making the time to meet with myself and representatives of the local livestock markets to discuss the issues being faced by the sector as a result of the Welsh Government's response to Bluetongue,' said Mr Chadwick.
'The Liberal Democrats have been repeatedly highlighting how the current system is completely unworkable and not financially viable for local farmers, especially as we approach breeding season at the end of summer.
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'The Welsh Government must focus on vaccination and do away with the impractical testing scheme.
'I will continue to ensure I engage with both Welsh and UK Government ministers to make this case and update local farmers on any progress.'
Mr David Chadwick has questioned ministers twice on the issue, as has his Lib Dem colleague from North Shropshire Helen Morgan MP and the Liberal Democrats' Shadow Leader of the House of Commons Marie Goldman MP.