Farmers: Competitiveness
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Hayman of Ullock(3 weeks, 1 day ago)
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Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
As I mentioned in response to the noble Baroness, it is important that when we reform our SFI we look at how we can support upland farmers more. It is also about getting the right balance between levels of grazing and environmental support. I will give a quick shout-out for Cumbrian sheep. Herdwick sheep are extremely important to our landscapes in Cumbria. I think it is important that our supermarkets and our butchers support locally bred meats as well.
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
My Lords, to correct the record—I live partly in a village with very small farms—it is not just rich people who have farms. What are the Government doing to support food production in this country?
Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
We have a number of plans to support food production, partly through the farming road map, which we are developing. We have appointed the noble Baroness, Lady Batters, to lead Defra’s farming profitability review, which will look at things like this. We are also looking at government procurement and buying British produce, which will support British farmers. There are a number of activities that we are currently doing.
Domestic Animals: Welfare
Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Hayman of Ullock(6 months, 1 week ago)
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Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
Clearly, dog fighting should not be taking place in this country. We are extremely keen to root it out where it is happening, and it is matter for Defra and the Home Office to work on together to ensure that, where it is found, it is properly cracked down on.
Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
People remain in danger from and are occasionally killed by dangerous animals. Are the Government satisfied that the current law is sufficient?
Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)
Ongoing attacks show that we need to do more to protect the public from dangerous dogs. There has of course been a ban on XL bullies, which has been updated recently. That is there to protect public safety, and we expect owners to comply with all the conditions in that legislation. More broadly, we are working with enforcement agencies and animal welfare groups to help prevent further attacks by encouraging responsible dog ownership, addressing dog control issues before they escalate and using the full force of the law where needed.