Countryside Alliance Briefing note - Queen's Speech Debate

There are many measures announced in the Queen's Speech which are welcome. However, delivering a strong economy, increased productivity and thriving communities cannot be achieved without recognising the vital role the countryside has to play. Post-Brexit the countryside has a key role to play in boosting our productivity and must get its fair share of funding for digital connectivity, regulations that support rural businesses, and services which meet the needs of rural communities.

A successful rural economy is vital for maintaining a living and working countryside. Without it there would not be the rural communities and landscapes as we know them today. It is therefore essential that the people who live and work in the countryside are able to engage fully in the economic life of the country.

Below are the Countryside Alliance's comments on some of the measures announced in the Queen's Speech which will impact on the countryside and its communities.

The briefing note covers these key areas:

• Agriculture Bill
• Trade Bill
• Environment Bill
• Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill
• Animal Welfare Legislation
• Broadband Legislation
• Business Rates Statement

You can read the briefing note in full here (pdf).