Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in Sidbury today (Friday, February 9) to speak to farmers.

During the roundtable meeting at the village hall, chaired by East Devon MP Simon Jupp, farmers from Broadclyst, Talaton, Venn Ottery, Seaton, Sidbury, Sidmouth and Cullompton raised the challenges and opportunities facing the sector with Mr Sunak.

The Prime Minister highlighted the important role Devon’s farmers play in supporting the nation’s food security and thanked them for the important work they do.

The discussion covered a series of important topics including government farming funding schemes, national food security and efforts to tackle rural crime.

Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez was also in attendance, joined by local officers including from the Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Affairs Team and NFU representatives such as the Devon NFU County Chair, Paul Glanvill.

Mr Sunak visited Cornwall yesterday and had several engagements across Devon today.

He started the day with a run on Plymouth Hoe with Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer, followed by a round of local media interviews.

The Prime Minister spoke to the regional press at M-Subs in Plymouth, a maker of specialist submarines for military and commercial buyers.

He then headed to South Devon and East Devon before returning to Downing Street.

Mr Jupp said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the Prime Minister to Sidbury today, meeting with local farmers from across Mid and East Devon.

“They produce fantastic food for our county and further afield, and play a big role in making our part of Devon the best place to live, work, and visit.

“I’m working day in, day out to ensure their voice is heard clearly in Parliament.

“The Prime Minister’s visit today demonstrates that Devon is being heard, and highlighted the key role our farmers play in the food security of our nation.

“I will always stand up for Devon’s farmers.”