Westminster Hall debateWestminster HallWednesday, 24 June 202616:30

Financial sustainability of the farming sector

Backbench debate (separate chamber, no votes)

A Westminster Hall debate on the financial viability of the farming sector, sponsored by Labour MP David Smith from North Northumberland. The debate will examine the economic challenges facing farmers, including input costs, market prices, and business sustainability, and explore what support or policy measures may be needed to ensure the sector's long-term financial health.

The farming sector underpins food security and rural employment across the UK. Financial stress on farms threatens productive capacity, rural communities, and the viability of agricultural supply chains. This debate signals Labour's attention to rural economic concerns and may shape future agricultural support policy.

Agriculture & Rural Economy Economy & Jobs (General)Tax & Public Finances

MPs most likely to speak

Chris BryantLabour Party

Rhondda and Ogmore

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on agriculture, economy-jobs, fiscal-policy (300 times, 40pts); Known positions: technology: supportive, economy-jobs: supportive, economy-jobs: neutral (30pts)Voting record

Dame Harriett BaldwinConservative and Unionist Party

West Worcestershire

Shadow Business and Trade — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Venue: 15 Westminster Hall debates (×0.7); Spoken on agriculture, economy-jobs, fiscal-policy (461 times, 28pts); Known positions: economy-jobs: opposed, fiscal-policy: opposed, economy-jobs: questioning (21pts); Committee: treasury committee (20pts)Voting record

David SmithLabour Party

North Northumberland

Debate sponsor/lead member (calendar Members field)Voting record

Mr Alistair CarmichaelLiberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland

Spoken on agriculture, economy-jobs, fiscal-policy (322 times, 40pts); Known positions: economy-jobs: questioning, agriculture: opposed, agriculture: supportive (30pts); Committee: environment, food and rural affairs committee (Chair) (25pts)Voting record

Dr Allison GardnerLabour Party

Stoke-on-Trent South

Spoken on agriculture, economy-jobs, fiscal-policy (184 times, 40pts); Known positions: economy-jobs: supportive, economy-jobs: questioning, technology: questioning (30pts); Committee: science, innovation and technology committee (20pts)Voting record

Financial sustainability of the farming sector

MPs most likely to speak

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