Written questions

Livestock Industry: Migrant Workers

Commons · Question 112295 · Tabled 10 Feb 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 23 Feb 2026

Question

Asked by Helen Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has assessed the potential impact on farm businesses and the sheep industry of the withdrawal of visa concessions allowing for temporary employment of sheep shea

Answer

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle, 23 Feb 2026

Defra recognises the good work that British Wool does in training domestic sheep shearers and the continued challenges the industry faces with a national sheep flock of around 30m sheep in sourcing sufficient numbers of trained shearers. We are also aware...