Phil Bennion

Taking the Lead

"The EU must take a stronger lead on global issues, especially climate change, countering terrorism and reforming the rules of World trade."

Phil Bennion on an advisory visit to the European Parliament

A working farmer in Staffordshire, Dr Phil Bennion is one of the Liberal Democrats' leading agricultural policy specialists with experience at European and global level. He is also a hard headed campaigner with a track record of success and hard work all year round in elections at every level.

Phil was Charles Kennedy's agricultural affairs advisor and now advises both Advantage West Midlands and the Government Office of the West Midlands on rural issues. He continues to work closely with our MEPs and MPs on farming and renewable energy.

Phil Bennion was born in Tamworth and attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Phil went onto achieve a BSc and PhD in Agriculture from Aberdeen and Newcastle. Whilst running his farm in Staffordshire Phil studied for his 1st class degree in History/Econ Hist at Birmingham University.

Formerly a lecturer, Phil now runs a diversified farm enterprise with his wife Penny, including Environmental Stewardship, biomass crops and accommodation.

Phil is an active LibDem campaigner for 20 years and a Councillor for the last eight, increasing the Lib Dem vote in his ward from 15% to 65% in four elections. Phil has a wealth of radio and TV experience.

Experience, Expertise & Action

In Europe...

• Works closely with our MEPs on agricultural and renewable energy issues. Phil used his formidable negotiating skills to mounting a successful campaign to amend the new EU Rural Development Regulations on biomass, enlisting the help of MEPs from several countries.

• Has worked for an end to export subsidies worldwide for many years.

• Key member of European delegation in international agricultural commodity talks pre Doha.

• Ideal candidate to sit on the Agriculture Committee for the UK LibDem group where we are currently not represented and is the biggest single spending department of the EU Commission.

In Politics...

• Chairman of the LibDem European Group (LDEG).

• Fought 3 General Elections and 2 European elections, No 3 on the West Midlands list in 2004, taking a prominent role representing the team to business and in the media.

• Active member of ELDR Council for 4 years. Phil takes on the crucial role of negotiating on behalf of the UK LibDems with our sister parties in drafting motions at the ELDR Congress. (ELDR is the European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party of which the Liberal Democrats are key members)

• Sits on LibDem International Relations Committee formulating our approach to such issues as Israel/Palestine, Kosovo and Darfur.

• Member of Federal Policy Committee for 5 years. Currently a member of the Policy Working Group on Europe, leading on Common Agricultre Policy.

• Delegate for the Liberal Democrats at the last two Liberal International Congresses, speaking in debates on Belarus, Nuclear Power and The WTO talks and Africa.

• A member of the Climate Change Working Group bringing a paper to Federal conference this autumn.

As a Councillor...

• Councillor on Lichfield District Council for eight years.

• Campaigned against the closure of overnight minor injury facilities at Sir Robert Peel Hospital.

• Campaigned against the closure of Post Offices in his area.

In Industry...

• Has worked at European level in the NFU and in global trade talks.

• PhD in agronomy and expert in biomass.

• Expert knowledge of Common Agricultural Policy and trade issues.