Shadow Minister for North Wales and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has slammed Labour Welsh Government for voting against the Welsh Conservatives’ motion to scrap the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

On the day that thousands of farmers protested against the plans in Cardiff Bay, Welsh Conservatives put forward a motion in yesterday’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament calling for the scheme to be axed - but if failed to pass.

The vote, also supported by other opposition parties, was tied, triggering a rule that forced the Senedd’s Deputy Presiding Officer David Rees to vote with the government.

Darren, who last week met with farmers outside the Senedd earlier in the day to give his support and listen to their concerns, has criticised the Welsh Government for failing to recognise and respond to the legitimate concerns of farmers.  

Commenting after yesterday’s vote, he said:

“It is deeply concerning that Labour Members of the Senedd do not seem to recognise the damage these changes will inflict on our farmers and rural Wales.

“We saw outside the Welsh Parliament yesterday and in the protests across North Wales last week the strength of feeling against these proposals but the Welsh Government continues to refuse to listen.  

“Welsh Ministers should be working with farmers and backing food production in Wales, but what we are seeing is the complete opposite.

“Regardless of the outcome of yesterday’s vote, I will continue to back our farmers and push for this scheme to be abandoned.”