EAST Lancashire's Tory MP Nigel Evans has called on the government to end the rule which prevents livestock farmers moving newly bought cattle for 20 days after purchase as a result of foot and mouth.
He said the restriction particularly affected farmers hit by the disease trying to restock.
The Ribble Valley MP and shadow cabinet minister said: "Our farmers are struggling to make ends meet. Their daily battle is further aggravated by restricted policies, that however well intentioned, prevent farmers doing what they do best -- farm.
"I have tabled a number of parliamentary questions asking the government what plans they have to remove this rule which is helping to damage our farming community.
"Foot and mouth severely damaged the rural economy. We must do all we can now to ensure that agriculture gets back on track and becomes economically viable. For this to happen we must free the countryside of restrictive rules that put the farmer last. We must put the farmer first and the countryside first."
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