OPINION: 'Broken promises, increased taxation, plugging support schemes and empty words have pushed farmers to breaking point'

News and business reporter Chris Brayford discusses the dwindling trust between Government and farmers

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Chris Brayford: "It feels like already dwindling trust between Government and farmers, which long surpassed the moment when Sir Keir Starmer entered through the doors of Number 10, has been shattered. Farmers deserve so much better than to be referred to as ‘blockers'."
Image:

Chris Brayford: "It feels like already dwindling trust between Government and farmers, which long surpassed the moment when Sir Keir Starmer entered through the doors of Number 10, has been shattered. Farmers deserve so much better than to be referred to as ‘blockers'."

It has been a long and difficult eight months for the agricultural sector since Labour won last year's General Election. Broken promises, increased taxation, plugging support schemes, and empty words...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

'Balancing' emotion and policy: New NFU chief lays out her vision in interview

'Balancing' emotion and policy: New NFU chief lays out her vision in interview

Farmers Guardian's chief reporter, Rachael Brown sits down with NFU director general, Sophie Throup, six months since she was appointed into the role

Rachael Brown
clock 17 August 2026 • 5 min read
Exclusive: Farming will be part of 'core national resilience' for this Government, says PM

Exclusive: Farming will be part of 'core national resilience' for this Government, says PM

Chief reporter Rachael Brown sits down with the Prime Minister after visiting a Cornish potato farm

Rachael Brown
clock 15 August 2026 • 8 min read
'I know I have work to do to win the trust of the farming community' - Andy Burnham posts message to British farmers

'I know I have work to do to win the trust of the farming community' - Andy Burnham posts message to British farmers

The Prime Minister has shared a message for UK agriculture acknowledging the challenges caused by this year's drought

Farmers Guardian
clock 15 August 2026 • 2 min read