Carmichael backs Great British Beef Week
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today given his support to Great British Beef Week, lodging a parliamentary motion to back the event. Great British Beef Week, now in its 15th year, aims to celebrate the “exceptional taste of British beef” and highlight the hard work and dedication of the farmers who produce it.
Mr Carmichael also today met with Neil Shand and Ben Harman, CEO and Chairman respectively of the National Beef Association, to discuss issues for beef farmers and producers.
Mr Carmichael is the Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
Mr Carmichael said:
“Beef farming has been a cornerstone of the Northern Isles economy and community for generations, and we are rightly proud of the livestock we produce locally and nationally. As the son of livestock farmers and now a partner in the family farm I am doubly glad to back Great British Beef Week today.
“This year’s Great British Beef Week could not have landed at a better moment. With the government in trade discussions with the United States and US food products apparently on the agenda, we need to make our voices heard in support of British beef. I cannot truly believe that the government would dare accept US hormone-treated beef on our supermarket shelves but if they try to undercut our farmers in this way then the protests over farm inheritance tax may look like a storm in a teacup by comparison.
“British beef is produced to globally high standards. That is something that should be celebrated and supported – now more than ever.”