Ynys Môn MP shows support for Welsh farmers after Senedd vote criticism

Virginia Crosbie MP with Brian Bown NFU Cymru Anglesey County Chairman at Trewyn Farm

Submitted by Bethan Davies

A local MP has stood in solidarity with farmers over the Welsh Government's decision to impose Nitrate Vulnerable Zones across the country.

Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, Anglesey, affirmed her position after a vote to annul the regulations was narrowly lost in the Senedd.

The loss has since prompted several criticism from the NFU Cymru and FUW.

Virginia said: "This decision by the Welsh government has failed to take into account 45 recommendations based on a voluntary code, smart regulation and scientific advice, plus a way forward on water standards proposed by NFU Cymru.

"Everyone wants to see less pollution but these regulations should be bespoke, targeted to the challenges here on Ynys Môn and across Wales and workable.

"I fully understand the anger of the farming community, which was clearly ready and willing to work together with the Welsh government to address nitrates pollution.

"The cost of complying with this regulation to the farming community could be the difference between farms remaining viable or going under.

"This is a classic Labour top down approach that fails to work in partnership with those affected, but instead simply uses blunt diktats and ones of EU origin too.

"It really didn’t have to be like this and I stand in solidarity with all farmers across Wales

"I will be writing to the First Minister of Wales to express my disappointment and to ask for his government to reconsider."