Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary warns the Government risks ‘decimating’ rural communities ahead of Spending Review

The Liberal Democrat MP for the Lewes constituency has warned the Government risks ‘decimating’ rural communities, amidst rumours the nature-friendly farming budget is set to be slashed in the upcoming Spending Review.

Many farmers, both here and across the country, are struggling after the economic mismanagement of the previous Conservative government, botched trade deals and a cost-of-living crisis.

The Liberal Democrats are now urging the Government to protect our rural communities and the environment by ruling out cuts to the farming budget.

James MacCleary MP said: “Here in my constituency, we are proud of our farming heritage. Many farmers are barely making ends meet, working for half the minimum wage, yet they still tirelessly maintain our East Sussex countryside, allowing us all to enjoy its beauty and food produced to the highest standards.

“The Government is treating our rural Sussex communities with gobsmacking contempt. If the Government goes ahead with these cuts, they risk the future of farming in this country and with it, domestic food production and the restoration of nature.

“The Government’s utter failure to understand rural communities risks decimating them. At the spending review, these cuts cannot come to pass. The Liberal Democrats will continue to stand up for our farmers.”