US trade deal a '˜threat' to family farms

Party leader Tim Farron claims that the introduction of EU import tarrifs and increased competition from America creates a “perfect storm” for the region’s businesses.

The stark warning comes ahead of Theresa May’s meeting with President Donald Trump on Friday.

It is understood that a future free trade deal between the UK and US is expected to be top of the agenda,

“Hard Brexit and a free trade deal with Trump pose a threat to the family farm as we know it,” Mr Farron said.

“Pulling Britain out of the Single Market would hit farmers in Yorkshire hard, as tariffs for agricultural products are far higher than in other sectors.

“The US also has far lower animal welfare and food standards than we do, including on factory farming, the use of growth hormones and antibiotics.

“Farmers therefore risk facing a perfect storm, losing tariff-free access to vital European markets while being undercut by imports from the US and elsewhere.

“The public did not vote to weaken animal welfare standards or put British farmers out of business.”