Conservative MP for Brecon and Radnorshire Fay Jones and James Evans MS for Brecon and Radnorshire have demanded an apology from the Welsh Labour Party on behalf of Brecon and Radnorshire’s farmers.

It comes after concerns were raised about comments made by Welsh Labour MP Anna McMorrin from Cardiff North during Prime Minister’s Questions, at the same time that protests were taking place in Cardiff Bay.

Ms McMorrin asked the Prime Minister: “Last weekend, the Prime Minister posed for photographs with a group that shares extremist conspiracy theories on climate change and campaigns against net zero. Does he share their views?”

The Prime Minister responded by saying it was no way to talk about the Welsh farming community.

Both Fay Jones and James Evans believe that the comments on conspiracy theories and extremists were directed at farmers, something Ms McMorrin, who grew up in Glasbury, strongly denies.

Conservative MP Fay Jones called on Brecon Labour Party to distance themselves from these views saying: “At a time when farmers are looking to governments to support them, it is appalling that a Labour MP – who grew up in Glasbury – should insult them in this way. This is exactly the sort of attitude that needs to end; we need to celebrate our farmers for the work they do to produce our food and enhance our natural environment.

“The Brecon and Radnorshire Labour Party should apologise for her comments. I’m surprised they haven’t already done so.”

James Evans MS added: “As someone who has close ties to the agricultural industry, I was proud to stand with my friends and relatives in protesting against the unworkable Sustainable Farming Scheme last week. It is deeply disappointing that some politicians should want to create more division at a time when our national food security is going to be put at serious risk.

“Recently, we have heard the First Minister dismiss concerns on the grounds that ‘farmers voted to leave the European Union. Last year, he told them Bovine TB was all their fault. I’m staggered that a Labour MP would double down on these views. An apology is urgently required.”

However, Ms McMorrin has said that her comments were focused on climate conspiracy theorists who took over the farmer protests and that her question to the Prime Minister was not referring to the farmers. She believes the Prime Minister’s response twisted her words, and didn’t give her a chance for an appropriate answer, which has resulted in a torrent of online abuse.

Ms McMorrin said: “My question to the Prime Minister followed the fact that he was photographed alongside known climate conspiracy theorists in North Wales. These are a group of people using the farmers’ campaign for their own ends. The Prime Minister’s response in PMQs that this was about the farmers was incorrect and unleashed an extensive amount of abuse towards me.

“Shortly after the Prime Minister stood in front of the nation claiming that he feared for the safety of Members of the House of Commons, yet his poor and misleading answer provoked an attack against me. I hope the Prime Minister reflects on his choice of words and reaction following his comments. I grew up in Glasbury amongst the farming community and have nothing but admiration for their hard work.”

“I am very conscious of the pressures and constraints our farmers face. The majority of Welsh farms are smaller in size, and high rainfall and difficult terrain means productivity can be constrained but it’s important that farmers can lead the way both in providing food and addressing climate change challenges.”

A spokesperson for Ms McMorrin said: “This was not the intention of Anna. The Prime Minister made it seem this way and he has taken no responsibility.”

She has now requested an apology from the Prime Minister.

Matthew Dorrance, Welsh Labour's parliamentary candidate for the new Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe constituency, said that he has pledged his support for farmers in the area, promising to champion rural communities and stand up for agriculture as a major employer and key national industry.

His pledge comes after he backed a vote at Powys County Council which called on the Welsh Government to “renew engagement with the farming unions, before re-approaching the agricultural sector once serious amendments have been made to the Sustainable Farming Scheme.” Mr Dorrance also backed a motion that called on the Welsh Government to consider the impact of changes to school term times on the Royal Welsh Show.

Mr Dorrance said: “As someone who's grown up in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe I am well aware of the importance of our farming and agricultural sector. Supporting our farmers is championing a key national industry. But more than that, it's helping and enhancing our local community.

"I know there’s a successful future for farming in Wales and I will continue to support – and listen to – farmers in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe.

“With farmers managing 80% of land in Wales we need to support the sector to ensure our food security and respond to the climate emergency.

“I am pleased that the Welsh Government has continued to pay the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in full – unlike in England, where the UK Government cut BPS payments to farmers.

“I know farmers are anxious about the proposals within the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) and I have asked to meet representatives of the National Farmers Union and the Farmers Union of Wales to listen to those concerns.

“As Labour MP, I would continue to stand up for our local community, and work in partnership with our farmers to bring about a better future for the industry."

Welsh Labour were also approached for comment.