Helen blasts Government over ‘predictable’ Bluetongue outbreak

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, has challenged the Government's handling of the Bluetongue crisis affecting livestock farmers and highlighted a failure to prepare for a “predictable” outbreak.

Helen has highlighted the immense pressures already facing livestock farmers across North Shropshire, warning that the spread of the Bluetongue disease was adding yet another burden to farmers already under severe strain.

The intervention comes as cases have been confirmed in cattle in Shropshire, with the disease continuing to spread across parts of England and Wales.

Bluetongue is a viral disease spread by biting midges which affects cattle and sheep, and in some cases can be fatal. Reduced productivity and movement restrictions can have significant financial consequences for farms who also face additional testing requirements.

Helen pressed minister Stephen Morgan MP in Parliament during questions to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs on the outbreak.

North Shropshire MP, Helen Morgan, said: “Livestock farmers in North Shropshire, as everywhere else across the country, have had a torrid year, with drought impacting their ability to feed their livestock, dairy farmers selling milk at well less than the cost of production, and now they have the added concern of Bluetongue.

“The department has clearly been unprepared for something that could have easily been predicted.

“What support is he putting in place for those farmers now, and more importantly, what steps will be taken for this time next year, so that we don't find ourselves trying to get on top of an epidemic that could have been prevented in the first place?”

Responding, the Minister said there were “always lessons” to be learned from outbreaks.

Stephen Morgan MP added: “We are working really closely with industry, with farmers, and with the NFU and others. We absolutely recognise the impact that Bluetongue is having on farmers after what's been a very difficult summer, and we are looking at everything we possibly can do to support them with the outbreak going forward.”

Farmers across Shropshire have endured months of difficult weather conditions impacting grass growth and forage supplies, while many dairy producers have continued to battle tight margins. At the same time, farming businesses have been grappling with ongoing uncertainty created by the Government's punishing changes to agricultural inheritance tax, dubbed the ‘Family Farm Tax’.

Last year, following sustained pressure from farming organisations and rural MPs including Helen, the Government was forced to row back on elements of its original proposals, but concerns remain about the impact inheritance tax changes could have on family-run farms and future generations of farmers.