Gregory Stafford MP today brought together parliamentarians and farming leaders in Westminster to discuss the growing crisis facing Britain's small and medium-sized abattoirs, following the closure of Newman's Abattoir in North Camp, Farnborough – the last operational abattoir in Hampshire.
Hosted in partnership with the National Farmers' Union (NFU), the roundtable examined the impact of rising regulatory costs and the continued loss of local processing capacity on farmers, rural communities and animal welfare.
Gregory said he is taking the matter seriously after having met several farmers and butchers who have said the lack of access to abattoirs locally could risk the future of authentic ‘farm to table’ food in homes, pubs and restaurants across his constituency. He warned that the local supply of 'farm to table' meat is at risk after regulatory changes and Labour's jobs taxes are pushing small abattoirs across Britain to close.
Hampshire is now left without a single operational abattoir despite being one of the UK's largest farming counties, with more than 1,500 farms. The closure has also affected many livestock producers in Surrey, who relied on Newman's due to its proximity. Farmers are now facing significantly longer journeys to reach the nearest facilities, increasing costs, placing additional pressure on the remaining abattoirs in West Sussex and beyond, and raising concerns over animal welfare.
The NFU highlighted that the number of UK abattoirs has fallen from around 2,500 in the 1970s to fewer than 200 today. Recent NFU research also found that almost half of farmers surveyed said further closures would force them to reduce livestock numbers, stop keeping livestock altogether or cease trading.
Gregory said:
"The closure the Farnborough abattoir was a huge blow for farmers in my constituency and the wider South East. Small abattoirs are an essential part of the rural economy, supporting local food producers, independent butchers and high animal welfare standards.
Today's discussion made clear that unless action is taken to address rising costs and ensure a fairer regulatory system, more closures are inevitable.
That would leave farmers travelling even greater distances, increase costs throughout the supply chain and undermine the resilience of local food production.
I will continue working with the NFU, colleagues across Parliament and ministers to ensure the voices of our farming communities are heard and that practical solutions are delivered before it is too late."
The roundtable heard from NFU Vice President Robyn Munt and National Livestock Board Chair David Barton, alongside MPs from across the House, as the industry continues to call for reforms to the FSA charging model and greater support for small and medium-sized abattoirs.
