BILL Wiggin has been branded “a branch of the NFU” in the House of Commons.

And the MP for North Herefordshire says that’s a “tremendous compliment”.

Anne Main MP made the comment when Mr Wiggin intervened during a Westminster Hall debate on the badger culls.

After the debate, Oliver Cartwright, NFU spokesman, said: “Bovine tuberculosis is out of control and is one of the largest threats currently facing beef and dairy farmers in Herefordshire.

“Our farmers, whose animals and businesses are subjected to the ravages of this disease will be pleased to see MPs like Bill Wiggin standing up for them in Parliament on what is a very difficult and emotive issue.

“TB has a devastating impact on communities, dairy and livestock farming businesses, on cattle forced into testing regimes every 60 days, and on badgers that also carry bovine TB.

“The whole TB debate should not be about blaming badgers or farmers; the disease is the villain and this is what needs to be dealt with plain and simple.

“We back all the measures available to get a grip on this disease and welcome the support from our politicians.”

Mr Wiggin’s support for the countryside was recognised in 2008 with The Westminster Award for ‘bringing the countryside to Parliament’ at the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Bill Wiggin MP said he was “delighted” by Anne Main’s comment which he took as a “tremendous compliment”.

“I work very hard in Parliament to ensure that the farmers in North Herefordshire and the countryside itself is not forgotten,” he said.