Andrew has urged the Government to reconsider its support for local farmers facing significant soil degradation due to repeated flooding.
Fylde's MP submitted a formal question to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) about what assistance could be offered. However, he was left frustrated by the response.
"I'm used to receiving vague answers, but this one was particularly poor," Andrew said. "It’s clear they don’t understand that most of our local farms are small, family-run businesses that simply can't meet the thresholds for the complex schemes dreamt up by highly-paid civil servants in Whitehall.
"Our farmers need action now—clearing waterways, keeping the pumps working, and practical support to stop their fields from flooding year after year."
Andrew also called for a return to basics, suggesting the re-establishment of an Internal Drainage Board (IDB) as a way for farmers and local authorities to collaborate on flood prevention.
"It might sound old-fashioned, but it worked," he said. "Farmers’ local knowledge is essential for keeping water moving and preventing floods. Yet when I raised this with the Government, the response was so vague it might as well have come straight from an episode of Yes Minister."
Despite his frustrations, Andrew pledged to continue pressing the Government for better support for Fylde's rural communities and small family farms. However, he expressed scepticism after recent tax changes.
"Labour's introduction of the Family Farm Tax at last year's Budget shows just how out of touch they are with rural areas," he added. "But as long as I'm the MP for Fylde, I'll keep fighting for our farmers and doing everything I can to make the Government listen."
