EFFECT OF THE WATER SHORTAGE ON FARMERS IN CUMBRIA

That this House notes the rapid decline in reservoir levels in the North West due to two very dry months resulting in the Environment Agency receiving a sharp increase in reports of environmental incidents in the North West, with 25 per cent of July 2018's normal estimated reports received in the first three days of that month; recognises the impact of the water shortage in Cumbria on farmers' ability to grown crops to feed their livestock, requiring them to use their winter stores of feed; further recognises the impact this will have on animal welfare in the long and short term and the financial strain caused by farmers having to invest in commercially bought feed; and urges the Government to deliver a support package to farmers that provides additional feed and access to emergency water supplies.