Farming shortages: Byzantine system hurting food security

Responding to a new report published today by the House of Commons environment, food and rural affairs select committee which highlights the acute labour shortages facing the food and farming sector caused by Brexit and accentuated by the pandemic, Hilary Benn MP, Co-Convenor of the UK Trade and Business Commission, said: 

“Our Commission has heard first hand how the Government’s Brexit deal has destabilised our food and agricultural sector by undermining their reliable access to labour. 

“With profound and long-lasting implications for our food security, animal welfare and the well-being of our farmers, the government must urgently review its byzantine immigration system.”