The NFU has contradicted claims by NE Cambs MP Steve Barclay, shadow environment secretary, that the King’s Speech contained “nothing for farming or fishing”. Essex farmer Tom Bradshaw, president of the NFU, said the King’s Speech on the contrary contained a number of Bills that will be “significant for British farm businesses and the nation’s food security”.
He highlighted those relating to planning reform and infrastructure, crime and policing, mental health, skills and new technologies and renewable energy opportunities through the creation of GB Energy.
Food & farming are so important to us in Peterborough – and the country.
It was great to welcome Michael Sly & @NFUtweets friends in Parliament today.
I’ll always be a Labour voice for farming. @NFUPolitical @ProagriLtd @rachelhallos #BackBritishFarming pic.twitter.com/6ztPbNCtBp
— Andrew Pakes MP (@andrewpakes_) July 18, 2024
Mr Bradshaw said: “Our farmers and growers are ambitious for the future, and with new policies that revitalise farm business confidence, government can help to kickstart economic growth, deliver affordable, climate-friendly, high welfare food production, improve the environment, and stimulate clean energy supply.
This Labour government’s first King’s Speech has confirmed that they are already ignoring rural communities.
Having had just 87 words on farming in their manifesto, there is nothing for farming or fishing in their plans announced today. pic.twitter.com/K5HsNQ4PUP
— Steve Barclay (@SteveBarclay) July 17, 2024
“We look forward to working in partnership with this new government to help shape the legislation that will deliver this change.”
Mr Barclay has claimed that the King’s Speech offered “yet more evidence that Labour neither understands nor cares about rural issues.
“Food security is part of national security, so our best agricultural land must be protected for its core purpose of food production.
“This Labour government’s first King’s Speech has confirmed that they are already ignoring rural communities.
“Having had just 87 words on farming in their manifesto, there is nothing for farming or fishing in their plans announced today.”
Mr Bradshaw, however, takes a different view.
“I am pleased to say we have heard this new government repeatedly state that food security is critical for national security.
“Now that it has set out its legislative activity for this session of parliament, we need to see a plan for food production which backs this up.
“With farmer confidence at an all-time low, investment in food and farming via an increased multi-annual agriculture budget is key to unlocking growth and future prosperity.
https://twitter.com/NFUtweets/status/1813819800948216140
The NFU says there were six “key takeaways” for the agricultural industry which includes a bill for Labour’s plans to set up GB Energy which will “help accelerate investment in renewable energy such as offshore wind’.
FACT FILE
Mr Bradshaw farms in partnership with his wife, Emily, and his parents in North Essex. Alongside a small, owned farm they run a larger contract farming business growing a range of combinable crops across 950 hectares in North East Essex.
The home farm is based around arable production but has also diversified into equestrian and renewables.
Tom has represented the NFU from local branch chairman through to chair of the National Combinable Crops Board.
Tom was elected to the position of NFU President in February 2024.
