WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour has pledged to continue supporting rural businesses through her work as co-chairman of a Parliamentary group for farming and vice-chairman of another for rural business.

It follows Mrs Gilmour hosting last week’s ‘Flavours from Exmoor’ event in Parliament showcasing local food and drink producers for MPs to meet and sample their products.

Ms Gilmour said she was committed to redoubling her efforts to ‘highlight the fantastic work’ of businesses in her rural Tiverton and Minehead constituency.

The showcase event in the House of Commons was organised with Visit Exmoor and brought together nine local producers and organisations to present their products and expertise to MPs and guests, highlighting the challenges businesses face in rural areas and the importance of the rural economy.

Mrs Gilmour said: “In this day and age where farmers are under such a lot of pressure, it really is our responsibility to make the most of what we have got locally, and champion and shout about it from the rooftops, because Exmoor is an extraordinary place with extraordinary things to do, eat, and drink.”

Head brewer Tom Davis, from Wiveliscombe’s Black Bear Brewery, who was among those attending, said: “We really enjoyed allowing some of the MPs to come and try the ales, it has been fantastic fun.

“Everything we do has personality, and the only way for people to find out about it is for us to come and talk to people and try the beers.

“To be able to join colleagues from Exmoor to show off our best products that we can produce in Somerset, has been really good.”

Others taking part included Wellhayes Vineyard, Exmoor Distillery, Exmoor Game School, Eat Exmoor, South West Larder, Exmoor National Park Authority, and Visit Exmoor.

MP Alistair Carmichael, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee chairman, used the occasion to make the case for rural food producers and the pressures they face.

Mr Carmichael said: “Exmoor has got to be given the same opportunities as the intensive, more productive, fertile areas, because if we are going to maintain our food market, then you have got to maintain it at every level.”

Mrs Gilmour said: “An event like this one is a fantastic way to bring the rural economy to Westminster.

“Now, it is my role to use this event to press the Government for more support for my rural communities and the businesses they support.

“Exmoor has a vibrant economy, but it needs better support from Government.

“Whether it is the tourism sector suffering as a result of the jobs tax and worried about the holiday tax, the food, drink, and hospitality sector feeling the weight of VAT and business rates, or Exmoor businesses who have seen their heating oil bills skyrocket without any meaningful support, the Government needs to do more.

“I hope this event has opened the eyes of Labour MPs to the benefits of the rural economy, and I look forward to working with Ministers to make them understand the impact their policies are having on my constituents.”