Liz Truss has been re-appointed as Defra Secretary in the cabinet reshuffle following last week's General Election.
“The NFU has been lobbying the next government on key issues in the farming sector and we hope that now we have Ms Truss in place our asks of Government, as well as the Conservative pledges, will be implemented in a timely manner.
“We are eager to work with the Government on their ambitious plan for Britain to grow more, buy more and sell more British food at home and abroad as the NFU and farmers share this ambition. We have already argued strongly that we need such a plan to reverse long-term declines in farming productivity and the nation’s self-sufficiency.
See also: New government should set positive farming agenda
“Crucial issues in our sector calling for the Government’s immediate attention include problems and issues surrounding BPS. With just weeks to go until the June 15 deadline, it’s imperative that enough resource is put in place, as time is running out.
“Another very pressing issue is TB; we are urging the Government to make an announcement as soon as possible on further roll-out of badger culling to areas where TB in endemic and to implement the 25-year TB Eradication Strategy in full as quickly as possible.”
The full list of the NFU’s summarised manifesto asks for British farming is available here.
So, who's who?
- Liz Truss remains as Defra Secretary of State.
- Maria Eagle remains as Labour Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) and ex-EFRA committee takes on the role of DECC Secretary of State.
- Rt Hon Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) replaces Eric Pickles as Secretary of State Communities and Local Government.
- Rt Hon Patrick Mcloughlin (Derbyshire Dales) remains as Transport Secretary of State.
- Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) is the new Bis Secretary of State. A new position of Minister of State for Small Businesses goes to Anna Soubry (Broxtowe).