That this House recognises the severe impact of extreme weather on farming communities across the UK, including in Newbury, where farmers have reported some of the worst harvests in decades; notes with concern that Government figures show a 14% decrease in the English barley harvest and a 23% fall in spring barley yields compared to the previous year, with other cereal crops also experiencing significant reductions despite increased planting; acknowledges the financial and emotional strain this places on farmers, many of whom are facing mounting pressures from crop failure, rising costs, and market uncertainty; further notes that some farmers are being forced to sell land or exit the industry altogether, risking long-term damage to the rural economy and national food security; highlights expert warnings that such extreme weather patterns may become the norm, and that urgent adaptation and resilience measures are needed; urges the Government to recognise the seriousness of this crisis and its implications for farming livelihoods, food production, and mental health and community wellbeing; and calls on the Government to support profitable, sustainable and nature-friendly farming by increasing the farming budget by an additional £1 billion a year.
Signatories (22)
- Mr Lee Dillon Sponsor
- Dr Ellie Chowns
- Ian Roome
- Robin Swann
- Dr Roz Savage
- Mr Joshua Reynolds
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Dr Danny Chambers
- Jim Shannon
- Adrian Ramsay
- Carla Denyer
- Siân Berry
- Chris Law
- Charlotte Cane
- Clive Jones
- David Chadwick
- Helen Maguire
- Cameron Thomas
- Adam Dance
- Sarah Dyke
- Helen Morgan
- Dr Al Pinkerton