Tory Minister insults British farmers with New Zealand lamb comments

Helen Morgan has criticised a Conservative Minister for “insulting” British farmers after he lauded the benefits of New Zealand lamb over those from different parts of the UK.

Conservative Minister of State for International Trade, Lord Johnson, praised Kiwi lamb saying it was better for the environment to eat chops from the other side of the world than to eat those from elsewhere in the UK.

Imported lamb in New Zealand can be produced to lower standards than our own food, using methods which are simply unacceptable here.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has called these remarks “an insult to British farmers” and is calling for a final Parliamentary vote on the New Zealand trade deal.

The Liberal Democrats say that, in power, they would ensure that farming standards are guaranteed in trade deals.

Responding to the remarks, Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire Helen Morgan said:

“This is an insult to farmers across the county, for a Minister supposed to represent British people to be commending New Zealand lamb over our own.

“Comments like these are yet another example of the Conservatives failing to understand or support our farmers. They serve only to undermine our farmers by failing to note the lower welfare standards for animals in New Zealand.

“Liberal Democrats are appalled at any Minister lauding foreign produce over the incredibly high-quality food our farmers produce for our tables while protecting and enhancing our natural environment.”

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Notes

Remarks from Lord Johnson of Lainston found in Hansard here:

“As my noble friend Lord Hannan pointed out, having a New Zealand lamb chop on your plate in the House of Lords restaurant is better for the environment than having one that comes from another part of the UK.”