EXCLUSIVE - Victoria Atkins: "It seems that the Government has got it in for the countryside"

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins writes on Labour’s broken promises to farmers, how the Conservatives aim to win back rural communities at the next General Election and why the UK faces a food and farming emergency

clock • 5 min read
Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said: "The despondency felt in the agricultural sector is because Labour’s policies are making life harder and harder for you: from raising taxes and labour costs to axing the farm payment schemes that form part of your business plans."
Image:

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said: "The despondency felt in the agricultural sector is because Labour’s policies are making life harder and harder for you: from raising taxes and labour costs to axing the farm payment schemes that form part of your business plans."

Britain is entering a Food and Farming Emergency. As food prices continue to climb and business investment dries up, record numbers of farms are closing and record numbers of farmers are leaving the sector...

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

Farmers reiterate concerns as Holyrood passes Land Reform Bill

Farmers reiterate concerns as Holyrood passes Land Reform Bill

NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said the focus must remain on ‘how land is used, not who owns it’

Alex Black
clock 06 November 2025 • 3 min read
From the editor: Farmers want to get on and farm

From the editor: Farmers want to get on and farm

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 06 November 2025 • 2 min read
The Farmers Guardian podcast: Autumn Budget one year on - "Gov still says IHT will raise funds for public services but the numbers don't add up"

The Farmers Guardian podcast: Autumn Budget one year on - "Gov still says IHT will raise funds for public services but the numbers don't add up"

This week's guest host Ben Aveling, along with FG's Alex Black and Jane Thynne, discuss IHT one year on from the Budget. Where are we 12 months later?

Farmers Guardian
clock 05 November 2025 • 1 min read