As MPs returned to Westminster following the summer recess, Ms Lockhart said she remains unconvinced by the new Prime Minister’s early rhetoric, but would be watching his Government very closely in the weeks and months ahead.

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Burnham said he intends to focus on farming and described food production as part of the UK’s “sovereign production and manufacturing capacity”, highlighting it must be strengthened in the years ahead.

Carla Lockhart MP said: “I welcome the Prime Minister’s comments on the strategic importance of UK farming and food production, but farmers do not need more warm words - they need delivery!

“Food security is national security. Our farmers are among the best in the world, producing food to some of the highest standards, yet they continue to face enormous pressure from rising costs, regulation and competition from imports.

“Government Ministers cannot tell farmers that they are strategically important, while simultaneously allowing domestic production to be undermined by imported food produced to lower standards.”

The Upper Bann MP added: “The Government needs to put its money where its mouth is and make British food a priority in public procurement. Schools, hospitals, prisons and other public institutions should be sourcing and buying produce from the UK’s agri-food sector.”

Ms Lockhart continues to urge the Government to urgently address serious questions around the safety and integrity of imported food.  

She said: “In recent weeks we have been alerted to concerns around imported food, specifically reports linking imported eggs and egg products to hundreds of salmonella outbreaks across the UK.

“Following the EU’s move to suspend imports of Brazilian beef, poultry and other products of animal origin, there are strong fears that an influx of products could be re-directed to the UK market.

“I have already written to Dame Angela Eagle on this matter. With countries such as Norway and China set to follow the EU’s lead, the Westminster Government must act swiftly to ensure the UK doesn’t become a dumping ground for products that don’t meet our statutory standards.”

The MP has consistently raised concerns about the significant threat posed by illegal meat imports. “Last month’s seizure of more than four tonnes of meat, following the discovery of an unapproved meat processing facility in the West Midlands, demonstrates the scale of the problem,” she said.

“This is not simply about protecting British farmers from unfair competition. Illegal meat can bypass vital food safety and hygiene controls, and presents a very real risk to animal health from devastating diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease.

“The Prime Minister needs to understand that protecting our domestic farming industry is about protecting the UK's food supply, public health, animal health and national resilience.”

Carla Lockhart MP is also calling on the Government to stop the relentless tax burden on families and businesses. “People are already crippled by costs. We need to see the Family Farm Tax scrapped, action to reduce the cost of living, support for British energy and a commitment to restoring Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom by removing the barriers created by the Protocol and Windsor Framework.”



Concluding, Ms Lockhart said the Prime Minister will be judged by what his Government delivers, rather than what it promises.

“The Prime Minister has promised a new direction. Now we need to see it”