Conservative MEPs have championed the countryside, Kirkhope says
Posted, April 15, 2009 @ 13:00
MEP to speak at launch of farming unions' manifesto
The UK farming unions will this evening launch a manifesto in Brussels, at which they will encourage rural residents to vote in the European Elections in June. Timothy Kirkhope, Yorkshire and the Humber MEP and Conservative leader in Europe will speak on the panel.
Speaking ahead of the launch, he said:
"Whether we like it or not, the European Parliament has increased its influence over agricultural issues over recent years. There have been occasions when we have used that influence to good effect for the British countryside, such as when we fought Tony Blair's efforts to unilaterally cut English farmers' payments by 20 percent. It is crucial that our rural communities make their voices heard in the European elections this June.
"I am incredibly proud of what we Conservatives have achieved for British farmers over the past five years. The British government has been the empty chair at agriculture ministerial meetings but we have fought for farmers' interests. For example we have championed reform and fought against electronic tagging of sheep, the soil directive and overly restrictive pesticides rules.
While we believe the CAP still needs further reform to make it relevant to the 21st Century, the only way we can achieve that is by getting fully engaged and fighting for Britain's best interests."