Government plans to eradicate Bovine TB in cattle will be wasted if there are no farmers left - MP

In Parliament this morning, local MP Tim Farron raised concerns that Cumbrian farmers could be wiped out if the Government continues with its plans to remove a payment scheme which is considered to be a lifeline by many.

The Government's current proposal is to phase out the Basic Payment Scheme from 2021 and replace it with the Environmental Land Management Scheme from 2024, meaning there will be three years where local farmers lose a huge chunk of their income.

Speaking during a debate on Government policy on Bovine TB in cattle, Tim said: "This is of massive importance to local farmers who caring massively about the welfare of their livestock.

"The Government's 25-year strategy for eradicating TB is showing some signs of having some impact.

"But 25 years is a long time and if the Government does not continue basic payments through to the point that the new Environmental Land Management Scheme comes into practice there will be no farmers left to protect at all by the end of the process."