Rural communities up and down the country feel increasingly neglected and persecuted by government policies, in what has been described as a "war on the countryside". But in County Durham, councillors have firmly stated where they stand on the issue: in complete solidarity with farmers and the countryside.
Yesterday (Wednesday 10 December) Durham County Council voted unanimously to back measures defending farming and rural communities.
Councillor Tim McGuinness (Reform UK) moved a motion pledging to "end the unofficial war on meat and dairy" by committing the council to use home-grown produce, particularly meat and dairy, wherever possible, and to consider ways to encourage residents to shop locally and take advantage of home-grown, affordable and nutritious food. All councillors supported the motion.
This comes as part of a longstanding campaign by the Countryside Alliance to support farmers and freedom of choice by promoting local produce. Durham County Council now joins eleven other councils, including Suffolk, Cornwall and North Northamptonshire in defying the compulsory vegan train seen in other councils such as Calderdale and Edinburgh, who have voted to ban meat and dairy items from their council-catered menus.
Commenting on yesterday's motion, Cllr McGuinness stated:
"At full council yesterday, Durham County Council unanimously supported a motion to commit to local produce, particularly meat and dairy, wherever possible.
"By investing in our farmers and local producers, we can support our rural economy and strengthen the Durham pound, creating the foundations of a circular economy and a Durham where produce is grown, reared, and ultimately consumed right here in our county.
"This motion is a statement of intent, we will not stand idle, we will do everything we can to support our farmers, farming, our rural communities, and a cherished part of British life. But actions speak louder than words - we have a lot of hard work ahead."
During the council meeting, Councillor Scott Woodhouse (Reform UK) joined Cllr McGuinness in criticising government policies and their negative impact on rural communities. He also highlighted the upcoming government consultations on shotgun licensing and trail hunting, pointing out the threat these consultations pose to the local economy and in particular pubs, which are the backbone of rural communities and are under more pressure than ever before. He reaffirmed his support for the motion, and stated that it was just the start of the council's plan to defend farmers and rural people.
The Countryside Alliance praised the move, and has reiterated its commitment to working with councils up and down the country to defend and promote farming and rural communities.
Johnnie Furse, a spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, stated:
"We are thrilled to see such robust support for farming and the countryside, and congratulate Durham County Council.
"Farmers and rural communities are facing unprecedented threats from a government that shows, at best, apathy, and at worst, utter disdain for the countryside.
"This motion, passed unanimously by the council, sends a clear message to rural communities that they are not alone and that local government is fighting for them.
"We look forward to working further, both with Durham and also other county councils across the UK, to defend and promote the countryside, farmers, and the rural way of life."