MP to launch ‘No to Tory Tariffs’ petition at Westmorland County Show

At this week's Westmorland County Show, local MP Tim Farron will launch a petition calling on the Government to ditch plans which would cripple Cumbrian hill farmers.

According to the National Farmers' Union, the Government's failure to get a trade deal with the European Union is set to lead to export tariffs of 46% on British lamb, and 65% on British beef.

Currently, 90% of the UK's exported lamb and beef goes to countries within the EU.

As well as gathering signatures for the petition, Tim will also be holding an all-day surgery at the County Show to give people the chance to come and see him to raise local issues.

Tim said: "Imposing heavy tariffs on British beef and lamb would be an almighty body blow to Cumbrian farmers.

"Our farmers are absolutely vital to our economy, our environment, our heritage and our ability to feed ourselves.

"Speaking to farmers across our patch over recent weeks and months, they are completely aghast at these plans and what it would mean for their livelihoods.

"That's why we're launching this petition to send a very clear message to the Conservative Government to halt these deeply damaging plans."