Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kate Green and Robert Goodwill

Thursday 28th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the seasonal agricultural workers scheme. [R]

[The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr Robert Goodwill)]

We regularly have detailed discussions on the seasonal workers pilot with colleagues across Government. I will continue to work closely with Home Office colleagues in particular to ensure the successful operation of the pilot.

[Kate Green]

Farmers say that the pilots began too late for this spring season, and the Home Office does not appear to understand the needs of the sector. On 14 February, James Porter of the National Farmers Union Scotland told the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Public Bill Committee that the pilot was too small scale and needed to increase immediately to 10,000 places. Will the Minister have discussions with his Home Office colleagues so that the labour needs of the sector can be met as a matter of urgency?

[Mr Goodwill]

The first workers under the scheme will be arriving in April. Indeed, I met one of my officials who had just come back from Ukraine to ensure that the scheme works well. There will be 2,500 workers coming in each year, and I will also meet with the president of the NFU this afternoon to discuss what views she may have on that.