THEY may not agree when it comes to politics, but Cumbria’s six MPs are united in their love for our great county.

Yesterday - Cumbria Day - saw Parliament to celebrate everything good about this wonderful part of the world. MPs, Lords, parliamentary staff -even the speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow - turned out to show their support.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson asked Pioneer Foods to represent the city at the event in the Palace of Westminster.

Mr Stevenson said: “Cumbria Day was another huge success with some fantastic companies showing the best of Cumbrian produce. I’ve had colleagues from all over the country tell me how impressed they are with what they’ve seen - and I think it goes to show how Cumbria is home to some of the best businesses in the UK.”

Trudy Harrison - who represents Copeland - welcomed along Keswick-based cafe Kat’s Kitchen to Parliament.

Kat Hale of Kat’s Kitchen, said: “It has been a real honour for Kat’s Kitchen to represent Cumbria and Keswick at such a special event in Parliament today and it was lovely to meet everyone who came along to sample our cakes and Goulash, which were all very well received.

“Cumbria is home to so many diverse businesses so it was wonderful to meet and work alongside just a few of them to help share and promote our beautiful county.

“My husband and I felt very proud to be part of an event that aims to show off the amazing place that is our home.”

Mrs Harrison added: “Cumbria Day 2019 has been a huge success and working alongside my Cumbrian colleagues to showcase our local businesses and world-class food and drink industry here in Parliament has been a privilege.

“I would like to thank Kat and Nigel from Kat’s Kitchen for giving up their time to travel to Westminster and represent Keswick and Copeland with their outstanding homemade vegan produce.

“Last year, Cumbria and the Lake District enjoyed over 47 million visitors, bringing in £2.9 billion to the local economy and supporting almost 65,000 jobs.

“However, locally it is vitally important that we continue to back our independently run businesses throughout the year to ensure they to remain on our local high-streets and in our towns and villages for generations to come.”

Rory Stewart, MP for Penrith and the Border, selected the Appleby Creamery and Original Marquees to represent the businesses of his constituency.

The Prisons Minister commented: “This has been a massive success and I would like to pay a huge tribute to all of those who came. This is the fourth time that Parliament has played host to Cumbria Day, which is an important reminder of the very best of our county.

“Appleby Creamery and Original Marquees, between them, represent Penrith and the Border’s strengths: a vibrant agricultural economy and a genius for tourism.

“A huge thank you to them for coming and to all the attendees.”

Workington’s MP, Sue Hayman was joined by Allerdale Council and Tractor Shed Brewing in representing her constituency.

She said: “It was great to host a range of Cumbrian businesses in Parliament, and welcome parliamentary colleagues to see why Cumbria is such a great place to visit, live and work.

“I was delighted that we had the opportunity again to share with colleagues our fantastic county and its produce.”

Councillor Bill Jefferson, executive member with responsibility for tourism and culture at Allerdale Council, said: “The council is proud to attend Cumbria Day this year.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work we have been doing to shine a light on Allerdale and its wide range of businesses.

“There is plenty going on in our wonderful county, so I am looking forward to joining forces with other organisations in the area to show why it is a great place to live, work and visit.”

Graeme Mitchell, director of Tractor Shed Brewing said: “As born and bred Cumbrians, we’re delighted to support and celebrate Cumbria Day in the heart of Parliament.

“In the spirit of Tryanuary, we hope to introduce our Cumbrian brewed beers and lagers to as many people as possible to inspire them and help guide their decision making.”

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron, asked Hawkshead Relish, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery and Pennington’s Tea and Coffee, to represent the area.

He said: “This year’s Cumbria Day was another resounding success. As ever it was a brilliant opportunity to shine the spotlight on the most beautiful county on the planet.

“There was a real buzz at the event, and I hope it will help to provide a boost to the county’s businesses and tourist trade.

“My thanks go to all the businesses which came to the event, in particular Hawkshead Relish, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery and Pennington’s Tea and Coffee. “These businesses show the great range of products that South Lakeland has to offer. It is always an honour to represent our area, but events like this make me particularly proud.”

People followed the event on social media via #cumbriaday