Your say / Politics
Kerry McCarthy’s resignation letter to Corbyn
Dear Jeremy,
It has been a privilege to serve as shadow secretary of state for Environment, Food and rural affairs under your leadership.
There is important work to do: on flood risk, air pollution; how we ensure a sustainable and economically viable food and farming system; and much more.
is needed now More than ever
Many of the critical issues handled by the department are intrinsically linked with our membership of the European Union: CAP payments, the Nature Directives, implementing the EU circular economy package.
The referendum result was a huge disappointment, and we now face the challenge of negotiating our future relationship with the rest of Europe.
Vital protections won through our EU membership must not be jettisoned.
This requires strong leadership from the Labour Party, and an alternative vision for the Government, which is seen as credible by the wider electorate.
Although I do not doubt your personal commitment to your long held-principles, I believe that a new leader is needed to take on the challenges ahead.
Steering our way through the very difficult period facing this country, exerting a decisive influence on the post-referendum negotiations and winning broad-based electoral support.
I am therefore resigning from the Shadow Cabinet today.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve.
Yours sincerely,
Kerry McCarthy, MP
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
