TAUNTON Deane Liberal Democrats are asking MP Rebecca Pow to protect British farming, ahead of the Agricultural Bill amendment vote today (October 4).

In a letter to Ms Pow, Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Taunton Deane, said the Tories must “stop risking farmer’s livelihoods to win a favourable trade deal from Donald Trump”.

The Liberal Democrats want all MPs to ensure they pass the amendments so that post-Brexit trade deals meet UK animal welfare and food safety rules.

On October 12, MPs voted against an amendment to the Agriculture Bill which would have protected existing food standards.

READ MORE: Somerset MP Rebecca Pow explains why she voted against Agriculture Bill amendments

Mr Amos believes Ms Pow should stop voting against British food standards.

He said: “I’ve worked on farms and know how rigorous our British food standards are.

"The Taunton Deane Conservative MP really has to stop risking local farmers' livelihoods by failing to stand by these standards.

“Bowing down to poorer food standards to get a deal with Trump’s America is scurrilous and in any event such a deal would always be with a country thousands of miles from our biggest marketplace, here in Europe, and could endanger existing exports that cross the channel.

“Ms Pow needs to stop voting against British food standards - standards which in recent years British farmers have excelled in meeting.”

According to the NFU, more than a million people have signed their petition calling for the UK Government to put laws in place that prevent imports of food that is produced in ways that are illegal here in the UK.

Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, added: “Farmers across the country are incredibly worried that the UK is about to be flooded with poor quality food undercutting their high quality produce.

“It doesn't need to be this way.

"Liberal Democrats back British farming and want to work in partnership with our farmers to help cut greenhouse gas emissions, support the recovery of our natural environment all while continuing to produce the food that fills our cupboards.”

The County Gazette has contacted Ms Pow for comment.