A NEW All-Party Parliamentary Dairy Group has been launched by members from both Houses of Parliament.

The group, under the chairmanship of Neil Parish, MP for Tiverton and Honiton, will focus on supporting the development of a sustainable and profitable dairy supply chain and will debate key issues. The 34 members include Baroness Masham of Ilton.

In November, it will hold an inquiry into the sustainable competitiveness of the industry in the UK and, in December, will visit a dairy farm and processing plant where it will be briefed on the industry’s Farm to Fork approach and be given a demonstration of latest dairy technology and developments on animal health and welfare.

Dairy UK and The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers will provide the secretariat for the group, which has attracted parliamentarians from across the UK.

Mr Parish said: “The dairy sector is a great British industry that employs several thousands of people and produces a tremendous array of nutritious food. It is right that this contribution to the nation’s health and economy is recognised by parliament and that all political parties are fully up to speed with developments within the dairy industry.”

Nick Everington, RABDF chief executive, said: “RABDF is very supportive of the Dairy APPG. It will provide the industry with direct access to MPs interested in the dairy sector to discuss immediate issues, as well as those for the long-term benefit of British dairy producers.

“We are delighted to be working with Dairy UK as a joined up supply chain.”