Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:57 pm on 18 March 2025.
I thank my noble friend for those questions. The last time I visited Northern Ireland, I went on a visit with the Ulster Farmers’ Union to a farm to look at the specific differences between farming in Northern Ireland and in England, and to listen carefully to their concerns about some of the issues that my noble friend has raised. I can confirm that I am going to Northern Ireland on Thursday. I will be spending two days there, and I have already asked for an agenda item with Minister Muir, who my noble friend referred to, to discuss exactly these issues. It is really important that Northern Ireland farmers are listened to, just as it is important for farmers in the rest of the UK.