BENN GIVES SHORT SHRIFT TO FARMERS - HUHNE

2.00.00pm GMT Thu 27th Sep 2007

Commenting on Hilary Benn's speech to Labour conference this morning, Liberal Democrat Shadow Defra Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"To utter only 39 words on rural affairs at a time when farming is in crisis, buffeted by bluetongue and foot-and-mouth, is extraordinary.

"If ever there was proof that Labour is an urban party with urban concerns, this is it. Hilary Benn is giving short shrift to England's farmers.

"Thousands of hill-farmers are facing financial ruin because of a foot-and-mouth outbreak that began at a government-licensed laboratory, yet all the Secretary of State can provide is warm words and precious few of those."