Neil Parish MP launches new All Party Parliamentary Group for Beef & Lamb

Issues and developments in the beef and lamb industry will be the focus of a new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) chaired by Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton.

Mr Parish has been appointed chairman of the Beef & Lamb APPG, which will provide a forum for parliamentarians to discuss matters affecting the sector in England.

It will also ensure they are briefed by industry experts on the latest developments in the industry, including supply chains, exports, sustainability, health and nutrition.

Mr Parish, himself a former farmer, said: "Britain produces some of the world's finest grass fed beef and lamb to the highest possible animal welfare standards. But our livestock industries face many challenges and I hope this group will act to raise awareness of the importance of beef and lamb to the UK economy."

EBLEX, the organisation for beef and lamb levy payers in England and a division of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), will organise the APPG's secretariat services.

EBLEX chairman John Cross said: "The re-establishment of the Beef & Lamb APPG is a positive move and will no doubt ensure that debate on industry-related topics at the highest level is well informed."

The Group's other officers include Rory Stewart MP (Con, Penrith & The Border), Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesman Andrew George MP (Lib Dem, St Ives), Mark Spencer MP (Con, Sherwood) and Shadow Food & Farming Minister Huw Irranca-Davis MP (Lab, Ogmore).