The Countryside Alliance at 10 Downing Street

On the day the General Election was called, Countryside Alliance were in No.10 Downing Street lobbying for the countryside.

As part of our General Election strategy we are continuing to meet with Government advisors and policy makers to ensure the countryside's voice is heard. Already we have met with the Head of Policy and Head of Briefing in Conservative Central Headquarters and presented our manifesto asks to the Secretary of State for Defra.

On Tuesday, we asked No.10 to ensure:

• All wildlife laws are based on sound science and evidence and that a consistent and principled approach is taken across all species.
• Fair funding for policing to ensure the sparsity factor is recognised which will ensure the police are able to tackle crimes in remoter communities.
• Mandatory country of origin food labelling to ensure a level playing field for British farmers after we leave the EU.
• Rural proofing to sit at the heart of government in the cabinet office. This will ensure the necessary resources and experience required to exert influence across government.
• Post Offices to remain at the heart of rural communities by becoming the true front office of government through the expansion of personal and business banking services, ensuring access and delivering a much-needed social service to rural communities.
• Improve the welfare of animals by ensuring that the police and courts have the powers and resources to tackle the scourge of poaching and sheep worrying.

As well as our direct contact with No.10 and policy advisors we are also in the process of contacting each candidate to solicit their views on the key priorities in the countryside.

Simply the next Parliament must take rural issues seriously and support our rural communities. The Countryside Alliance will be working hard to ensure it does just that.