South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy calls for fairness in farming and food

In his fortnightly column, MP Terry Jermy discusses the NHS and the farming industry…

Last week I hosted in Downham the first of my two NHS consultation events with constituents. It was an invaluable experience, and I thank all those who attended and those who submitted written information.

I am delighted the Government is focussed on rebuilding the NHS and that process must include hearing from both staff and patients. I heard in the Downham session from people who were so passionate about having an NHS that is fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Among a number of topics, attendees discussed the need for a move towards a more community-based health service. This is essential in rural areas like South West Norfolk because of a lack of accessibility to services and public transport. We must shift the focus of healthcare from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital. This was a topic I spoke about in a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament just this week.

I will ensure the information from my constituents collected during the NHS consultation is shared with the Government and I welcome further comments by email from residents in the coming weeks before the deadline closes on February 14.

Also last week I visited numerous West Norfolk farmers including Maurice Crouch Growers and Merrymac Farms at Three Holes. We discussed a range of issues affecting the farming industry and what needs to be done to support the industry.

One of the key issues affecting farming is profitability. With this challenge in mind, recently, along with 46 other Labour MPs, I wrote to the bosses of the six leading supermarkets, accusing them of squeezing farmer profits and misleading consumers about the origins of their food purchases.

Often farmers receive as little as 1p profit from the food items they produce, while supermarkets are enjoying excessive profits. This is creating a farming industry that is struggling and forcing too many farmers and growers to rely on subsidies from government.

Over the last year alone, the ‘big six’ supermarkets made a combined total pre-tax profit of more than £5billion. This is unacceptable.

Farmers, like those in South West Norfolk, deserve a fair deal, and consumers deserve honesty and transparency.

Lastly, I delivered my latest constituency surgery in Downham on Friday at the brilliant Eternity Church – a real hub for community life and support activities. We’re in the process of confirming the dates for similar surgeries in the coming months at other locations. I’d encourage residents to please get in touch with my team to get your name on the list for an appointment. Full contact details available on the website; www.terryjermy.com or terry.jermy.mp@parliament.uk