In the coming weeks over 100,000 pigs are set to be culled prematurely and incinerated due to a labour shortage. The lack of skilled workers – due to a shortage in visas –  has put farmers under immense pressure.

Luke said in an ITV interview:

“The Prime Minister needs to take this seriously.

The Government’s incompetence and chaotic lack of planning is about to lead to the biggest peacetime cull of pigs. This cull is a disaster for pig farmers and risks Britain’s food security.”

Commenting on a Plymouth Herald story about the interview he added:

“The government’s chaotic handling of Brexit is about to lead to the biggest peacetime cull of pigs. This will hit farmers in the South West hard. Healthy animals will be destroyed because of a shortage of vets and HGV drivers. This cull is a disaster for pig farmers and risks Britain’s food security. Yet again blame sits firmly with out of touch ministers with their heads in the sand.”