Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George told the First Minister today (17/6/25) that farmers are anxious and worried for their livelihoods and asked the Welsh Government to re-examine their policy before 1st July.
Farmers across mid Wales are warning of a looming economic crisis according to Russell George MS, following the Welsh Government’s decision not to align with bluetongue control policy in England from 1 July. Mr George has said that the Welsh Governments approach will cause millions of pounds in losses to the rural economy and severely disrupt vital cross-border livestock trade.
Bluetongue is a viral disease of ruminant livestock. The disease does not infect people and cannot be spread in meat or milk. It is spread by biting midges. It can cause sickness in affected livestock, reduce milk yield, and reduce the reproductive performance of livestock, including the loss of infected lambs and calves. In the most severe cases, it can cause death.
Due to some Bluetongue cases being identified in England, from 1 July 2025 a Bluetongue Restricted Zone will expand to cover all of England.
Following the move, the Welsh Government has announced it will bring in tighter controls when stock is moved into Wales from England.
Welshpool Livestock Market, one of the busiest markets in Wales is situated near to the English border. Auctioneers and farmers there have expressed dismay at the Welsh Government's refusal to cooperate with England and have a UK wide approach, warning that it could severely limit the movement of animals into Wales, including vital breeding stock.
The decision has also drawn sharp criticism from Montgomeryshire MS Russell George, who raised the issue directly with the First Minister in the Senedd.
Commenting, after raising the issue in the Senedd, Mr George said:
“The Deputy First Minister’s decision to not align with England from 1 July in regard to bluetongue policy is a disastrous one, and one that will cost the Mid Wales economy significantly.
“This isn’t just my view, this is the view of auctioneers and farmers I met with at Welshpool Livestock Market this week. The policy will have huge implications for cross-border trade and will ripple through the entire supply chain.
“Farmers are anxious and worried about their livelihoods. They’re concerned about not being able to source stock, including breeding stock.
“The Welsh Government urgently needs to review this policy before 1 July. The First Minister refused to answer my question when I asked her to confirm whether an economic impact assessment has been carried out.’’