Leaders of the the agricultural industry have issued statements on Theresa May's call for a general election.

Meurig Raymond, president of the National farmers Union, and Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, have both made their opinions known.

Mr Raymond believes that whoever becomes the next PM, they need to ensure that farming is central in Brexit negotiations.

While Dr Bryans says that the country needs a leader who will stand up for the dairy industry.

Mr Raymond said: "With farming arguably the sector most impacted by Brexit, NFU members will want to understand how each of the political parties plans to support profitable, productive and progressive agriculture and horticulture in the future.

"The right post-Brexit trade deal is absolutely critical but equally well so is a new wider policy framework that better delivers for farming and the nation.

“Throughout the next seven weeks the NFU will ensure that all parties fully understand and engage with the food and farming community on the issues facing the sector both now and post-Brexit.

"British farms currently grow the raw ingredients for the UK food and drink manufacturing sector worth £108 billion and moreover the public want to continue to buy British food.

"For that to happen it’s vital that candidates recognise the enormous contribution that agriculture makes, for every £1 invested, farming delivers £7.40 back to this country, and to back British farming.”

Dr Judith Bryans, chief executive of Dairy UK, said: “As politicians have started to gear up for another general election, Dairy UK is calling on politicians across the spectrum to stand up for dairy, an industry which is vital to Britain’s economy, environment as well as the nation’s diet.

“The UK dairy industry has tremendous potential on the domestic and international stage and it is in the interests of consumers and the many thousands of people who work in the industry that we operate and produce nutritious foods in the best possible business climate.

“With Brexit negotiations ahead, there are challenges and opportunities and we hope that the UK Government and the devolved administrations remain firmly committed to vigorously supporting one of the nation’s great industries.”