Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Junior minister defends Douglas Hogg

Stephen Goodwin
Tuesday 25 June 1996 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A junior minister yesterday rushed to defend Douglas Hogg, the embattled Minister of Agriculture, during a Commons debate on a motion censuring him for "mishandling" the beef crisis. Replying to a Liberal Democrat charge that 60,000 cows - the latest addition to the cull - would be "wantonly sacrificed, just to save Hogg's bacon", Tony Baldry said his minister had "worked flat out" to try and resolve the crisis and secure a future for the beef industry.

Speculation on Mr Hogg's future as a Cabinet minister has been rife in Westminster, but Mr Baldry said he was honourable man who had "remained above personal attacks and mudslinging".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in