Langdale Moor Wildfire Losses Overlooked Due to Northern Location, Says MP Alison Hume

Labour MP Alison Hume has accused the government of neglecting farmers impacted by a wildfire on Langdale Moor, West Yorkshire, suggesting assistance was withheld because the incident occurred in the North of England. Speaking in Westminster, Ms Hume highlighted that affected farmers have not received financial support, asserting that their losses have 'slipped through the cracks'.

The fire, which began on 23 April and continued for several days, devastated approximately 420 hectares of moorland. The MP detailed significant damage to fencing, walls, and grazing pastures, directly affecting livestock and agricultural livelihoods.

Ms Hume contrasted the government's response to the Langdale Moor fire with the support provided for similar incidents in other regions, pointing to a perceived geographical bias. She questioned why there appeared to be different levels of assistance for communities facing comparable environmental disasters.

In response, Environment Minister Mark Spencer acknowledged the severity of the fire and stated that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) would consider applications for assistance from local authorities if submitted. He did not, however, address the specific claims of regional disparity in aid provision.