The MP for Clywd South has hailed 'world beating' Welsh lamb during Rishi Sunak's first Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs).
Simon Baynes was granted one of the first questions to be put to the new Prime Minister – just 24 hours after he took on his new role – during the weekly session in the House of Commons earlier today (Wednesday, October 26).
As well as congratulating his colleague on his new appointment, he was keen to receive Mr Sunak's views on the industry and the fact that it is being sold in the US.
He told Parliament: "Farmers in my constituency of Clywd South are delighted that after 20 years they are once more able to sell Welsh lamb to the US market.
"Would the PM comment on the size and prospects of this market for our world beating Welsh lamb?"
Mr Sunak spoke about the boost to lamb farmers and added his government would back British farming and farmers.
He said: "Mr Speaker, I congratulate my colleague on the fantastic achievement.
"I can tell him that market is worth I think something like almost £40 million over the last few years – an enormous boost for our lamb farmers.
"I would just encourage the 300 million US consumers to give Yorkshire Swaledale lamb a look in as well.
"But I know he and I if we disagree on that, we are united on the fact that we will unequivocally back British farming and British farmers."
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The US recently lifted the ban on British lamb imports meaning British exporters were able to send goods to the US for the first time in over 20 years.
The US had prohibited imports of British beef and lamb since 1989, as a result of BSE or "mad cow disease."
Mr Sunak's predecessor, Liz Truss, previously hailed the move and spoke about new opportunities for British food producers.
Ms Truss said at the time: "For the first time in over 20 years, millions of people in the USA will be able to enjoy high quality British lamb.
"This milestone marks a well-deserved boost to our rural economy and we will continue to secure more growth opportunities for Britain’s brilliant food producers."
The then Secretary of State for Environmental Affairs, Ranil Jayawardena, added: "Tucking into roast lamb for Sunday lunch is quintessentially British and now millions of American families will now be able to enjoy our top-quality lamb too.
"The opportunity for growth for British food is enormous, bringing jobs, skills and prosperity across the nation.
"With our mission to unlock growth, we will continue to secure more opportunities for our farmers and food producers to benefit from new markets."
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