In a scathing opinion piece, farmer James Wright criticizes Labour’s so-called “new deal” for farmers, calling it an empty promise that fails to address the real challenges facing British agriculture. Wright, who is preparing for the busy calving season, argues that Labour’s pledge to encourage schools and hospitals to buy more British food is nothing more than a publicity stunt, lacking substance and practical support for farmers.
Wright points out that the idea of public institutions buying British produce is not new, as the Conservatives have already been advocating for it. However, he emphasizes that the real issue lies in the fact that British food is often more expensive than imports, making it less attractive to buyers. He argues that Labour’s proposal does nothing to tackle this fundamental problem or provide the necessary support to help farmers compete in the market.
The farmer also highlights the stringent environmental and welfare regulations that British farmers must adhere to, which increase production costs. While he acknowledges the importance of high standards, Wright criticizes Labour for imposing additional restrictions without offering incentives or practical solutions. He warns that Labour’s policies, such as raising the minimum wage, increasing National Insurance contributions, and maintaining high energy costs through net zero initiatives, will further burden farmers and consumers alike.
Wright accuses Labour of hypocrisy, particularly in its approach to trade deals. While Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed has claimed that no trade deals would undercut British standards, Wright notes that Keir Starmer has been seeking a trade deal with the US, which could lead to lower standards for imported food. He argues that if it’s illegal to produce certain goods in the UK due to high standards, it should also be illegal to import them.
The farmer also condemns Labour’s broader agenda, which he believes will harm family farms and rural communities. He criticizes the proposed “Family Farm Tax,” which would scrap Agricultural Property Relief on Inheritance Tax, potentially forcing the next generation to sell land to pay tax bills. Additionally, Wright warns that Labour’s rewilding agenda, which prioritizes tree planting and land abandonment over food production, threatens the future of farming in the UK.
Wright’s frustration is further fueled by what he sees as Labour’s dismissive attitude toward farmers. He recounts how Steve Reed, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, made light of farmers’ concerns at a press event, joking about being the minister for “Sewage and angry farmers.” Wright argues that such comments reveal Labour’s contempt for the farming community and its struggles.
In conclusion, Wright asserts that Labour’s promises to farmers are hollow and that their policies will only exacerbate the challenges facing British agriculture. He urges the public to see through the empty rhetoric and recognize the threat that Labour’s agenda poses to the nation’s food security and rural way of life. For Wright and many other farmers, Labour’s “new deal” is not worth the paper it’s written on.
