The MP for Penrith and the Border has given his enthusiastic support to a national campaign celebrating the value of British farming to the country.

Dr Neil Hudson said he was "extremely proud" to support the Back British Farming campaign, which has been put together by the National Farmers' Union (NFU).

As well as celebrating the role that farming plays in the economy and in the culture of the country, the campaign is also calling on Westminster to ensure there is sufficient scrutiny on the impact any future post-Brexit trade deal may have on the UK farming industry.

NFU President Minette Batters said last week: “We are at a pivotal time for the future of farming and the food on our plates. Nothing will determine this more than how the government shapes trade deals with countries around the world.

“There is no doubt that the countries we are currently negotiating with are demanding access to our prized market for their agriculture products and, right now, a trade agreement could be signed with little parliamentary scrutiny.

This could result in a massive increase in the amount of food being imported that is produced in ways that would be illegal in this country.

"We want to celebrate why the British public have complete trust in British food and the farmers that produce it.

"Our farm to fork approach to traceability, how we look after our animals and our environment, and how we lead the world in reducing antibiotic usage are all the envy of the world and yet they are in jeopardy if they are undermined by future trade deals."

“I would urge all politicians to use today to think about these values, and what we have to lose. I would ask them to set British farming as the global standard in sustainable, climate-friendly food production, not undermine it in the pursuit of free trade."

Dr Hudson said that farming is valuable not just to Cumbria, but to the whole country.

"As an MP and veterinary surgeon, I am proud to stand up for our farmers," he said.

"With our high animal welfare, food production and environmental standards we can be a beacon to the rest of the world in these areas. I have stood up and voted on these standards in Parliament and will continue to do so.”

“The Coronavirus pandemic brought food security into sharp relief and really emphasised the importance of being able to produce and supply good locally and sustainably-produced food, Farmers were rightly identified as key workers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

"Thanks to those farmers, and the wider food supply chain, we were able to ensure supermarket shelves were kept stocked and the nation was fed during this difficult time. I am so grateful for all that they have done and continue to do.

“This autumn will be a critical time for British food and farming and I will do all I can to highlight the importance of upholding our high animal welfare and food standards in any future trade deals.”

“I would encourage everyone to get behind this important campaign and to Back British Farming.”