The Liberal Democrats have warned John Glen should “be ashamed” for voting against measures to protect high environmental and animal welfare standards.

Conservative MPs rejected amendments to the Agriculture Bill [04/11/2020] which would have forced the UK Government to ensure that British food and animal welfare standards are maintained in any trade deals.

Mr Glen failed to back these measures, despite over a million people signing a National Farmers Union petition calling for the UK Government to put laws in place that prevent imports of food that is produced in ways that are illegal here in the UK.

The Liberal Democrats have committed to continuing the fight to protect British farmers, including exploring further amendments to the Trade Bill.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Salisbury, Victoria Charleston, added:

“The Conservatives promised to protect British farmers, but they have betrayed that promise. 

“We now risk seeing foods that are currently illegal in the UK - like hormone treated beef, and fruit and vegetables produced using banned pesticide - making it onto our supermarket shelves.

“Mr Glen, who purports to support local farmers, has instead, once again, put the Conservative Party and Boris Johnson’s government first.  He should be ashamed of his actions.”

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron said:

“Unlike the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats back British farming. We want the Government to work in partnership with UK farmers to protect our world class food and animal welfare standards, cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the recovery of our natural environment.

“We will do everything we can to continue the fight to protect British farmers, including exploring further amendments to the Trade Bill.”

Last night myself and Lib Dem colleagues voted for an amendment to the #AgricultureBill which would protect British farming and food standards.

Sadly, however, Tory MPs voted down the amendment, once again choosing to put party loyalty ahead of British farmers and consumers. pic.twitter.com/ffnFgEdSGJ

— Tim Farron (@timfarron) November 5, 2020