Member

Farming communities are vital to the economic and social fabric of rural areas, yet they are overlooked by national policymakers. Several speakers today have highlighted that to the Government. Whether this amendment is adopted in its current form I have no idea, but I hope the Government will recognise the value of monitoring the effect of this legislation on farm businesses and will commit to engaging with the sector meaningfully, because the goal should be to uphold employment protections without undermining the viability of those who produce our food and steward our countryside. What is proposed in the amendment from the noble Lord, Lord Sharpe, is the very minimum the Government should do, because this is a step into the unknown and if the Government get this wrong, any damage that people perceive has happened to farmers will be tenfold.