MP Ben Maguire urges UK government to aid North Cornwall farmers

Member of Parliament Ben Maguire, representing North Cornwall, has written to DEFRA parliamentary under‑secretary Stephen Morgan urging the government to provide emergency support for the region’s farming sector. He cites a “double whammy” of extreme summer heat and a severe outbreak of the midge‑borne Bluetongue virus that is causing livestock losses and limiting forage supplies for winter.

Maguire notes that drought conditions have burnt off grass, forcing farmers to feed limited supplies, while the disease, which has far exceeded previous prevalence, is killing animals and imposing heavy disposal costs. He calls for a relief fund similar to flood‑assistance schemes, echoing concerns raised by local farmers such as councillor Adrian Parsons.