With the news that there will be a December General Election, to be held on Thursday 12 December, James Clark, director of policy and communications at the Horticultural Trades Association, said: “Having a strong and vibrant British horticultural sector is vital for sustainable economic growth and environmental development.

“The UK horticulture sector has delivered business investment and created valuable jobs, enhancing economic prosperity in the country at local, regional and national levels. With over 500,000 people directly and indirectly employed across the ornamental horticulture sector, creating over £24bn in GDP, we are looking for all political parties to foster supportive and innovative economic programmes to enhance our sector’s full potential.

“On the environment, we want to see sustainability and climate change given the high priority it deserves. The garden industry is uniquely placed to support wider national health and well-being benefits of gardening and help create a greener Britain.

“We will be engaging all the political parties in the coming weeks with our policy proposals.”