Bridgwater MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has applauded local dairy farmers who carried out a blockade of a milk processing plant last night.

He said farmers who used heavy machinery in a blockade at Robert Wiseman Dairy put on a ‘magnificent’ show of strength which should send a clear message to the processors and retailers.

More than 500 farmers with 120 tractors halted lorry movements in and out of the processing plant - one of three protests organised by the Farmers For Action group in support of higher milk prices.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said: “I am deeply embarrassed that my constituents have had to resort to these tactics because they can’t get any joy out of a Tory Farming Minister.

“I have every sympathy for people caught up in this dispute, whether they are employees of Wiseman or consumers who haven’t been able to get milk today. But, sadly there is no other option open to the farmers.

“It is manifestly wrong for milk or any commodity to be sold below the cost of production and there has to be a way of stopping it. If the government can set a minimum price for alcohol it should be able to do the same for milk.”