Comments from a senior Government that the food sector was “not critically important” to the country’s economy have been branded "outrageously stupid".

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron launched the scathing attack after The Mail on Sunday reported it had seen am email from economic adviser to the Chancellor, Dr Michael Leunig, which said the food sector was "not critically important" and that agriculture and fisheries "certainly isn’t".

Mr Farron said: “As outrageously stupid as the comments are, it sadly comes as no surprise that this is the view of people in Whitehall.

“I challenge Government officials to get out of their offices in London, don their wellies and come up to Cumbria for the day to see the amazing work that our local hard-working farmers do.”

Conservative councillor James Airey also stuck in the boot.

In an outburst on Twitter he said: “Any attack from Number 10 advisors on the need for British farmers should be met with immediate sackings. A nation that can’t feed itself isn’t a nation.”

The Government has distanced itself from the comments made by Dr Leunig. 

A spokesperson said: “We have made clear the comments are not in line with government policy.”

Sources said the remarks were made in personal emails and that Dr Leunig was not speaking in his Treasury role.