Government Support for Farmers

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – in the House of Commons at on 14 November 2024.

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Photo of Kieran Mullan Kieran Mullan Shadow Minister (Justice)

What recent discussions he has had with the National Farmers Union on the adequacy of Government support for farmers.

Photo of Daniel Zeichner Daniel Zeichner The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

As the hon. Gentleman would expect, I have regular meetings with all the key stakeholders, and I speak to the National Farmers Union on a regular basis.

Photo of Kieran Mullan Kieran Mullan Shadow Minister (Justice)

My local NFU representative, Gillian van der Meer, makes clear her concerns and those of many other local farmers about the impact of Labour’s family farm tax. I find it extraordinary that the Minister seems to think that, even if we accept his figures, it is okay that hundreds of farms will be affected. I appreciate that a U-turn can be difficult in the Westminster bubble, but I find the public are much more understanding and would welcome the Government realising that they have got this wrong. Does he agree that they have got this policy wrong and that it is time for a rethink?

Photo of Daniel Zeichner Daniel Zeichner The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

What I would say is that I have had more meetings with Tom Bradshaw over the past few weeks than I have had for a long, long time, for reasons that are entirely obvious. I was grateful to him for congratulating the Government on getting a very good financial settlement for farmers when he addressed the egg and poultry industry conference on Monday in Newport, Wales. I was grateful that he recognised that.