Boris Johnson Wales Visit: No deal Brexit feared by some local farmers
Updated 20:50, 31-Jul-2019
The new UK Prime Minister has been touring the country to sell his vision of Britain after Brexit. Scotland voted to remain in the European Union and the Prime Minister got a frosty reception when he visited. He also travelled to Wales - which voted to leave the EU in the referendum three years ago. But as CGTN's Jamie Owen reports a no deal Brexit is feared by some of the country's sheep farmers and there has even been talk of civil disruption if Brexit goes badly.
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson was once a journalist. But as he visited South Wales he was keeping questions at a distance. It wasn't just reporters in pens today. It's the day of reckoning for farmers and their animals. And everyone wants a good deal. Boris Johnson has a tough sell on his hands even in a part of the UK which voted to leave the EU.
BORIS JOHNSON BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "We want a deal but it's up to our friends and partners in EU."
The Prime Minister is promising a bright new future after Brexit. But these farmers need certainty and a guarantee that there will be a market for their animals. Roger Williams was this area's former member of parliament - and he's a farmer.
ROGER WILLIAMS FARMER "4 out of every 10 of these animals go to Europe - if that market is closed to us or tariff put on it, there is no living to be made here."
Many farmers in Wales voted to leave the EU and many support Boris Johnson's Conservative party. But there is concern about what lies ahead.
The future for these animals is clear. Some have been sold for breeding and fattening for next year's flocks, others will go to the meat trade and be sold all over Europe. But the future for these farmers is less certain. Brexit with a trade deal with the EU is what many of them want. A no deal Brexit could bring an end to their livelihoods and family farms across Wales.
Boris Johnson visit to Wales should be straightforward - Wales voted to leave the EU in that campaign led by Boris Johnson three years ago.
JAMIE OWEN WALES "Now that Brexit is approaching and Boris Johnson has become Prime Minister - it's time for detail - new trade deals - and delivery. The pressure is on farmers and the pressure is on Boris too. Jamie Owen, CGTN, Brecon."