The cuts to Defra's budget of 15%, announced in the Chancellor's autumn spending review, have raised alarm among environment and farming groups.
While the 15% cut was smaller than expected - some earlier reports had predicted a 30% reduction - it was greeted with concern. Martin Harper, Sustain member the RSPB’s director of conservation, said: “...it remains clear that there is a growing gap between the Government’s stated ambition to restore nature in a generation and its capacity to do so. Today’s announcement creates greater uncertainty for wildlife but it also impacts on the air we breathe, the water we drink and the quality of life we enjoy.” The NFU said they needed to wait for more details before understanding the full impact on farmers.
Published Sunday 29 November 2015
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
