EDDISBURY MP Edward Timpson has been pressing UK Government ministers for further action to help support local dairy farmers through the Coronavirus crisis.

The closure of hospitality and out-of-home food service outlets has led to at least a five per cent oversupply of milk, leaving some producers without a market or a guaranteed floor price, risking their future business viability.

As well as holding discussions with NFU President Minette Batters, Mr Timpson has also spoken on several occasions directly with the Farming Minister, Victoria Prentis MP, to push for further measures aimed at stabilising the milk market and keeping vital supply chains alive.

Mr Timpson commented: “It’s easy to take our milk production for granted, but unless we help our local dairy farmers in Cheshire through this massive shock to their market now, we risk some having to face the terrible decision of whether to carry on or not.

“I welcome the recent relaxation of competition laws, but time is of the essence, and so I will keep voicing the concerns of our dairy farmers to DEFRA, as well as lobby for more financial support for them: particularly the hardest hit.

“Everyone at home can do their bit too, by buying more British milk and dairy products, both now and when we start the transition out of lockdown.”

It follows similar calls from Tatton MP Esther McVey. Read Esther's comments here.