Labour fights for fairness in the countryside

Labour MPs are fighting to save the Commission for Rural Communities and the Agricultural Wages Board from abolition by the Tory-led government. MPs debated a Labour amendment to retain the AWB at committee stage of the Public Bodies Bill on Thursday 8 September. Read the transcript here: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmpublic/publicbod/110908/pm/110908s01.htm

Labour's campaign for fairness in the countryside,Back the Apple, is continuing.

The Commission for Rural Communities will be considered by the bill committee on Tuesday 13 September.

Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh said "The row over planning reforms, along with the forests debacle, demonstrates yet again how out of touch the Government is on rural issues.

“The Government should support rural entrepreneurs, encourage the roll out of broadband for rural communities and create jobs. Instead, they are abolishing the independent voice for rural communities and creating a race to the bottom in wages for rural workers who are already feeling the squeeze.

“Labour has a proud history of creating national parks, protecting the natural environment and increasing access to the countryside.”

The Yorkshire Post has covered the story: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/main-section/labour_in_fight_for_voice_of_countryside_1_3756767