The MP for Louth and Horncastle has called for urgent action to protect farmers and strengthen food and water security as the summer’s dry, hot weather continues.

The weather means large swathes of the UK are in drought, with major wildfires affecting the countryside, including near Skegness, and farmers facing growing shortages of grazing and livestock feed.

Now Victoria Atkins, who is the Conservatives’ shadow minister for the environment, food and rural affairs, is asking the government to take immediate steps to support farmers.

She has written to her opposite number, Labour Secretary of State Angela Eagle, calling for a package of practical measures to help rural communities in Lincolnshire cope with the immediate challenges.

Victoria Atkins (centre), the Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, is keen to look after the interests of Lincolnshire farmers during this summer's drought.

placeholder image — Victoria Atkins (centre), the Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, is keen to look after the interests of Lincolnshire farmers during this summer's drought.

In the letter, Ms Atkins asks the government to introduce temporary drought grazing derogations, to provide greater flexibility for farmers to access and store water, and to reopen the Water Management Grant to support investment in on-farm reservoirs.

She also calls for action to reduce wildfire risk, protect innovation in drought and flood-resistant crops, and prepare contingency support for farmers facing winter forage shortages.

The MP says: "Climate change and increasing global instability mean food security and water security must be national priorities.

"Farmers are already feeling the effects of one of the driest periods on record, with many having to use winter feed stocks months earlier than expected.

"The government must act now to support our farming communities, strengthen resilience and protect rural livelihoods. These are practical measures that can be implemented immediately while longer-term work continues.

"As the Conservative Opposition, we stand ready to work constructively with the government where it is acting in the national interest. But we will also hold ministers to account if they fail to take the action needed to support farmers and rural communities."

Some of the suggested measures were called for by Ms Atkins last November after the Conservatives hosted a food and farming emergency summit, but the previous Secretary of State declined to take action.

Ms Atkins has asked Angela Eagle to consider the proposals as a matter of urgency, given the serious challenges facing the agricultural sector this summer and the risk of further pressures during the coming winter.