Northumberland reacts to Andy Burnham's £65m drought support funding for farmers

NewsNorth East NewsNorthumberlandThis summer has been one of the driest on record20:47, 01 Sep 2026Farmer John Riddle, at Blakelaw Farm, BellinghamGovernment plans to invest up to £65 million to help farmers respond to doubt have been given a cautious welcome in Northumberland. However, a leading Conservative councillor has warned more information is needed.‌New measures will be brought in to protect crops and keep livestock fed after one of the driest summers on record with droughts recorded across the country. Hexham's Labour MP Joe Morris said it showed the Government was "serious" about working with farmers.‌Mr Morris said: "I am pleased to see the new Prime Minister listening to the needs of the farming sector and acting quickly to help support farmers through some of the worst drough