A SOMERSET MP has called on the government to look after sheep farmers duiring a debate in Westminster on Thursday (September 5). 

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, spoke during a debate on the future of sheep farming, and asked the government to support sheep farmers and commit to an agricultural budget. 

See the full speech here.

“Farmers need to be able to run their businesses with certainty," she said.

"They need to know what funding is available, what standards need to be met, and what support they’re going to receive from the new government.

“It is regrettable then that this government seems to have decided to continue in the Conservative’s footsteps by refusing to commit to the agricultural budget. With over 55,000 agri-environment agreements in place this year, a big part of the industry has been encouraged to become reliant on government payments.

“92% of farmers under the age of 40 say that poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem farmers face today, and these pressures will be further compounded by the report that the government is going to slash the Nature Friendly Farming Budget.

“We have more Liberal Democrat MPs representing rural constituencies than ever because rural communities know that we understand them and will always fight for them. Farmers trust us to have their backs because of our track record and policies.”

Defra has said the funding priorities in the sector will be confirmed as part of the government's spending review. 

A Defra spokesperson said: "Confidence amongst farmers is at a record low, which is why this Government is committed to restoring trust and stability amongst the sector.

“We will introduce a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen our food security, as well as protecting farmers from being undercut in trade deals, making the supply chain work more fairly and preventing shock rises in bills by switching on GB Energy.

“We will also optimise our farming schemes to make sure they produce the right outcomes for all farmers, delivering food security and nature recovery in a just and equitable way.”