Monthly Archives: August 2016

FORTHCOMING DROP-IN SURGERIES

Please note that Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, will be holding drop-in surgeries.

Friday 9th September, 12.00 – 13.00, Market Hall, Wigton

Friday 9th September, 18.00 – 19.00, Booths Cafe, Penrith

No appointment is necessary, and all constituents are welcome. More information can be found at www.rorystewart.co.uk/surgeriesFor more information please call 01768 484 114.

 

FURTHER MEASURES TO ERADICATE BOVINE TB

Further measures to tackle bovine TB in England were announced today as part of the Government’s 25-year strategy to eradicate the disease and protect the livelihoods of dairy and beef farmers.

Bovine TB costs taxpayers over £100m every year and England has the highest incidence of the disease in Europe. In 2015 alone over 28,000 cattle had to be slaughtered in England to control the disease, causing devastation and distress for farmers and rural communities, where herds have often been built up on family farms over many generations.

The Government’s strategy includes tighter cattle measures, improved biosecurity and badger control in areas where the disease is rife. Advice from the Chief Veterinary Officer makes clear that dealing with the disease in both cattle and badgers is essential to tackle the disease effectively. This strategy is already delivering results: we are on track to achieve TB freedom to more than half of the country by 2020—the first time anywhere in England will have this status.

New measures outlined today include:

-Seven additional licences for badger control measures covering parts of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, with operations now underway.

-A consultation on introducing further cattle measures including more sensitive tests for TB-affected herds in the High Risk Area, and increased surveillance testing for herds in the Edge Area.

-A call for views on a more risk-based approach to TB testing of cattle herds in the High Risk Area

-New farm advice packs to help farmers affected by bovine TB to improve the effectiveness of biosecurity measures on their farm.

-An updated online tool mapping the location of bovine TB incidents over the last five years to allow farmers to make informed decisions when buying livestock

-A consultation on introducing further measures for controlling TB in non-bovine animals.

Farming Minister George Eustice said:

“Our comprehensive strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England is delivering results, with more than half the country on track to be free of the disease by the end of this Parliament.

“Bovine TB has a devastating impact on farms, which is why we are taking strong action to eradicate the disease, including tighter cattle controls, improved biosecurity and badger control measures in areas where the disease is rife.

“The veterinary advice and the experience of other countries is clear—we will not be able to eradicate this disease unless we also tackle the reservoir of the disease in the badger population as well as cattle.”

Chief Vet Nigel Gibbens said:

“Action to prevent infection of cattle from significant reservoirs of TB infection in local badger populations is an essential part of the Government’s 25-year strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England.

“Proactive badger control is currently the best available option and the licensing of further areas is necessary to realise disease control benefits at regional rather than at local levels.”

In 2015 badger control operations in Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset were all successful in meeting their targets, and the Government announced in December that it wanted to see badger control over a wider number of areas in 2016.

As part of its long-term strategy to eradicate bovine TB, the Government has already introduced tougher movement controls and more frequent testing, as well as working with farmers, vets and others to improve biosecurity on farm and when trading.

 

RORY CONGRATULATES SKELTON SCHOOL STUDENTS CELEBRATING 400 YEARS OF SHAKESPEARE

Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, has congratulated teachers and students at Skelton School who will be celebrating the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare with a performance at the Theatre by the Lake, Keswick this Autumn. The play will be performed with the support of the Shakespeare Schools Festival on 10th November, and it is hoped that it will enthuse young people by introducing them to the world of acting and literature, and providing them with valuable life-skills in the process.

Rory said: “It is wonderful news that Cumbria’s students have the passion to explore the world of Shakespeare and to appreciate his works. Having performed in similar productions during my school years, I know that school drama is an experience that will stay with these children for years to come, and is so important for their personal and social development.”

“I would like to thank the Shakespeare Schools Festival for providing the opportunity for these students to perform on the big stage. This will undoubtedly be a fantastic experience for students and teachers alike and I wish everyone involved all the best with the performance.”

ENCOURAGING STATISTICS SHOW PENRITH AND THE BORDER IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS DESPITE BREXIT

Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and The Border, has welcomed new statistics suggesting the Cumbrian economy has experienced encouraging growth during July offsetting fears of a sharp economic downturn immediately post-Brexit.

Figures from the ONS show that there were 9,443 job postings in Cumbria during July, a rise of 599 from last quarter and 161 up from the same period last year. Similarly there has been 581 business start-ups in the county in the quarter to June, a rise of 46 from last quarter whilst average weekly earnings across the county have risen by 2.3% excluding bonuses.

The figures suggest that Cumbria continues to attract business investment and that new job postings across the county are providing employment in a wide range of industries, reflecting the increasing diversification of the local economy.

Rory said: “It is great news that the Cumbrian economy has shown such encouraging growth during the last month. This upward trend in the economy will hopefully filter down to improve the standard of living for people all across the county. It has also been good to see this helped by a strong tourism season, in the aftermath of the devastating floods. These statistics are particularly promising given the recent decision of the UK to leave the EU. Cumbria continues to be a diverse county which can adapt readily to changing circumstances and I hope that the hard-working people of the area will see first-hand the benefits of this growth.”

PRAISE FOR ‘WONDERFUL’ APPLEBY SHOW

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MP for Penrith and the Border, Rory Stewart, has praised all those involved in organising this year’s Appleby Show, which was a great success yet again, and very well attended, despite the poor weather conditions.

During his visit Rory spent time speaking with Eden Valley Young Farmers, and Appleby Rotary Club, who were raising awareness of their ‘End Polio Now’ campaign.

Speaking after the event Rory said: “This year’s show was a tremendous success despite the mud and rain, which didn’t seem to dampen the spirit of the day. I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this wonderful event, as well as all the stall holders, exhibitors and competitors who make the day so worthwhile.”

Image attached (Rory Stewart MP with Appleby Show Chairman Will Pattinson)