Shailesh Vara MP led a delegation of residents from the village of Stilton to meet with George Eustice MP, Minister for Farming, Food and the Marine Environment at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, last Thursday, 17th July 2014.

For the past 5 years, Mr Vara has been working with local historian, Richard Landy, and the owner of the Bell Inn, Stilton, Liam McGivern, for the right to be able to make cheese in the village of Stilton which can be called ‘Stilton’ cheese.

Presently, cheese can only be called Stilton if it is made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire. However, historical evidence indicates that the original Stilton cheese was made in the village of Stilton in the early 18th century.

The meeting was very useful and provided an opportunity for Mr Vara, along with Mr Landy and Mr McGivern, to present their case to the minister and it has been agreed that there will be a further meeting between the villagers and officials.

Mr Vara said:
“I am grateful to George Eustice for making the time to see us and allowing us the opportunity to present our case to him. We have made it very clear that our campaign will continue and are keen to work with his officials to ensure that Stilton cheese can be made and called ‘Stilton’ in its original birthplace.”