CLA welcomes appointment of Liz Truss as Environment Secretary
The CLA today (15 July) welcomed new Environment Secretary Liz Truss and urged her to keep the revitalisation of the rural economy at the forefront of Defra’s agenda.
The CLA today (15 July) welcomed new Environment Secretary Liz Truss and urged her to keep the revitalisation of the rural economy at the forefront of Defra’s agenda.
Speaking immediately after the announcement of her appointment, CLA President Henry Robinson welcomed Mrs Truss into the role and said the CLA looks forward to working with her on the series challenges she will face.
Mr Robinson said: “The whole of rural England and Wales will be looking to Liz Truss to set an agenda which will assure the future of a living and working countryside. It is vital that the countryside and the businesses based there are not disadvantaged by legislation which is predominantly urban focused.
“We hope she wastes no time in grasping the nettle on the key issues for food and farming and presents a bold vision for our industry.
“We would like to see her continue the good policy work started under her predecessor particularly in areas such as animal and plant health and flood management.”
The CLA President said Mrs Truss would bring undoubted qualities to the job – but he also paid tribute to outgoing Environment Secretary Owen Paterson.
Mr Robinson added: “Mr Paterson served with great integrity. He operated in a tough climate, and took some difficult decisions. His door has been open to the CLA and he has listened to our views.
“We thank him for the good work he has done during his term as Environment Secretary and we look forward to working equally constructively with the new Secretary of State.”
