The Liberal Democrats, no longer gagged by coalition politics, will have more room to manoeuvre as an opposition party.
He writes:
Despite a huge reduction in MPs, the Liberal Democrats still hold significant sway in opposition politics. In Parliament, led by Tim Farron, the Lib Dems have just eight MPs. But they hold hundreds of council seats and their local politicians can influence policy beyond the long arm of Westminster.
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NFU pollinator expert Chris Hartfield - A grown-up debate on neonicotinoids
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With a large party structure and an increase in membership post-election, they should not be disregarded. Indeed, they could rise again, particularly if they are able to pick up disaffected middle ground Labour supporters following the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader.
So where do the Lib Dems fit in on the agricultural spectrum? Their manifesto matched several NFU manifesto asks, most notably on the need for a national food strategy.
We have invited Baroness Parminter to our fringe event at the Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth next week. NFU members will ask questions under the event title 'How do we best develop a national food strategy for the UK?'. We hope for a strong commitment to back British farming and a lively debate with a knowledgeable audience.
It is crucial for democracy that there is a strong opposition voice to question those in power.
I expect Baroness Parminter, along with a panel including NFU Vice President Guy Smith and FDF Director General Ian Wright, to be quizzed on how British farming can be supported in its ambitions to grow responsibly and profitably.
It is crucial for democracy that there is a strong opposition voice to question those in power and hold the government of the day in check. Informed debates with the likes of the Liberal Democrats can only help.
- 'How do we best develop a national food strategy for the UK?' will be held in conjunction with the Food and Drink Federation on Tuesday 22 September at 6.15pm in the Marriot Highcliff hotel, Bournemouth. Full details here.