Whilst the commercial decisions of Banham Poultry are its own to make, I am very aware of the company’s importance to Mid Norfolk and the surrounding area. As one of the largest businesses in my constituency, it employs over one thousand people – with many more working in the supply chains.

That’s why, following the news that Banham Poultry are in the process of looking for a new buyer, I am working with partners (Breckland Council, the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, Norfolk County Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and others) to do everything possible to try and support the company and protect local employment through this period of uncertainty.

We are also aware of an unrelated incident in which two contractors sadly died at the Banham Poultry site last night. On behalf of all of the partners I am working with, I would like to express our sincere condolences to their friends and family.