EFFECT OF THE WATER SHORTAGE ON FARMERS IN CUMBRIA

Early day motion 1546, tabled 23 July 2018 by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 5 members.

That this House notes the rapid decline in reservoir levels in the North West due to two very dry months resulting in the Environment Agency receiving a sharp increase in reports of environmental incidents in the North West, with 25 per cent of July 2018's normal estimated reports received in the first three days of that month; recognises the impact of the water shortage in Cumbria on farmers' ability to grown crops to feed their livestock, requiring them to use their winter stores of feed; further recognises the impact this will have on animal welfare in the long and short term and the financial strain caused by farmers having to invest in commercially bought feed; and urges the Government to deliver a support package to farmers that provides additional feed and access to emergency water supplies.

Signatures by party: Labour 3, DUP 1, Liberal Democrat 1.