David Reed

David Reed

Conservative — Exmouth and Exeter East

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 September 2026

Debate

Bluetongue Virus in Livestock

Contribution

Livestock farmers in Devon are facing this bluetongue outbreak at an already difficult time. They are meeting unexpected vaccination and fallen stock costs following a summer of drought, while changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief are adding to concerns about farm finances and succession. Does the Minister recognise that the financial impact of bluetongue cannot be considered in isolation, and what assessment has he made of the cumulative pressures on farm cash flow this year?

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