FARMERS will be given full support from the UK Government in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, the Prime Minister has said.

New PM Boris Johnson made his first visit to Wales since taking the leadership of the country last week, to support Brecon and Radnorshire’s Conservative Party candidate Chris Davies ahead of this week’s by-election.

Mr Johnson visited the BVG Group Ltd headquarters on Brecon Enterprise Park with Mr Davies, and said that he hoped voters would back their party’s candidate on Thursday.

When asked by the County Times whether he could offer reassurance to farmers that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would not harm their businesses, the Prime Minister said they would be fully supported by the government with a “good package”.

But Mr Johnson was adamant that he and the government are not aiming for a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

He said: “We will make sure we give full support to farmers in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit - but be in no doubt that (a ‘no deal’ Brexit) is not what we’re aiming for. Be in no doubt about that.

“It is not where we want to end up but we will have a full package of support for land farmers, whatever types of farming there are.

“And in so far as they are affected by a ‘no deal’ Brexit, we will make sure that we have a good package, but I want to stress that it’s up to our EU friends to be sensible. Now is the time for them to understand we need a new deal, a better deal.

“The backstop was obviously thrown out three times by parliament, it’s dead, we can’t keep going down that track so we need a new approach and I hope our friends will see sense.”

Mr Johnson also said it was absolutely vital to keep the United Kingdom together, stressing that investment in Wales is important, but it is also up to the Welsh Government to decide on how funding is distributed.

He said: “I think it’s vital that we keep the UK together and the most tangible way we can do that is by making sure we invest in things that make a difference whether it’s education, lifting up education funding; full fibre broadband.”

“Of course it’s up to the government of Wales - if they don’t want to pass the funding on to schools, then that’s a matter for them. It would be a real shame if they don’t, but we want to increase funding.

“I think a united UK brings massive benefits. Wales is an integral part of the most dynamic economy in Europe and we intend to turbo-charge that, investing £1.5 billion in railway connection so times from London to South Wales are cut by 15 minutes.”

Mr Johnson added: “I have to say I was shocked to learn that they (the Welsh Government) managed to spend £144 million on a study into relieving congestion at the Brynglas Tunnels (in Newport).

“And what have they actually built with that £144 million, I’d like to know?

“I want to see serious investment in transport infrastructure overseen by Welsh Conservatives and I want to see Chris Davies elected on Thursday as I think he will be a powerful voice for Wales in London.”