Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Loder Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. I will take the issue up with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

[Chris Loder (West Dorset) (Con)]

Being gay in the farming community is incredibly hard, not least because of isolation. The Gay Farmer Helpline plays a vital support role, but has highlighted a high suicide rate. What is the Minister doing to support gay farmers, and will she meet me and representatives of the helpline to see what else we can do? [R]

[Elizabeth Truss]

Farming is a vital industry in Britain, and I want all farmers to feel supported. I applaud the work of groups such as Agrespect in supporting LGBT farmers to thrive. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend and his colleagues to discuss what more we can do.