National Beef Association delighted that Gove is to stay in place

Chris Mallon, CEO of the National Beef Association (NBA), has welcomed the news that Michael Gove is to stay in place as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

“It is good news that we have seen continuity at Defra with Michael Gove remaining as the Secretary of State.   It was a surprise when he was brought back into the inner sanctum last year and the NBA was glad to see Defra given to such a heavy hitter with Brexit influence.

“In this period of immense change, it is important that we don’t lose the momentum built up since July working with the Secretary of State.  A change at the top always takes time to settle in and at this moment we do not have time to spare as Government are in preparation for possibly the most important Agricultural Bill we will see in our lifetime.

“The environment and farming are vulnerable to the whims of Brexit and as such we need the strong advocate that we have in Mr Gove.”

This recent reshuffle is a reminder of how tenuous the commitments of Ministers can be as their tenancy in the role is often outside their control, whether due to elections or reshuffles.