Brexit: Farmers

Earl of Shrewsbury Excerpts
Tuesday 2nd February 2021

(3 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl of Shrewsbury Portrait The Earl of Shrewsbury (Con)
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My Lords, I declare an interest as a member of the National Farmers’ Union. For many years, the delivery of single farm payments has been fraught with problems. Is my noble friend able to provide an assurance to British farmers that, having left the bungling bureaucracy of the EU, every opportunity and effort will be taken to maximise the efficiency and punctual delivery of support payments to farmers?

Lord Gardiner of Kimble Portrait Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con) [V]
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Yes, my Lords, punctuality is very important, which is why I am very pleased that the RPA achieved a 98% payment last December. Going forward, it is important to codesign the schemes with farmers so that there is a modern approach to assurance and regulation with streamlining but no undue bureaucracy.