The Prime Minister visited Sessay, near Thirsk, on Thursday to meet with farmers keen to stay within the European Union. He was invited and welcomed to the constituency by Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton and met Mike Wilkinson, his wife Lorna and local sheep and dairy farmers. Around the Wilkinson’s farmhouse kitchen table David Cameron discussed British and European farming policies and the challenges facing the industry. He heard from two other farmers and also several local representatives from the National Farmers Union who joined the meeting. They talked about the forthcoming referendum and its implications for cereal growers and livestock. The Prime Minister and the local MP were given a tour of the farm by Mr. Wilkinson. Speaking after the visit Mr. Hollinrake said: “I was delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to our beautiful countryside and introduce him to some of the farmers who work so hard to produce the finest North Yorkshire meat, eggs and crops. It was a good meeting and both the Prime Minister and the farmers got the chance to express their views and concerns especially regarding the industry’s relationship with the European Union. Of particular concern was the tariffs that may follow an exit from the union, which could exceed £1.5bn per annum on the current export turnover of £11bn. The PM’s visit was very much appreciated.”