LOCAL MP Mark Williams has highlighted the concerns of small family farms in Ceredigion about a potential British exit from the European Union with a Minister in the Wales Office during questions in the House of Commons.

Mr Williams raised concerns during Wales Office questions with the Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Guto Bebb.

He said: “I think it is absolutely vital that we recognise the hugely important role that our membership of the European Union plays for many farmers in Ceredigion and throughout Wales.

“It should come as no surprise that reports from the NFU show that there is a real possibility that ‘Brexit’ could lead to far higher food prices and have a substantial impact on the inco­mes of hardworking farmers at a time when incomes are already under severe strain.

“With family farms being the backbone of the west Wales rural economy, giving up on our membership of the European Union would have a terrible impact, and I am glad to hear that the minister is in agreement on this vital question.”

See this week’s south editions for the full story, out on Wednesday