The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Conservative Party conference: Rishi Sunak confirms HS2 Manchester leg to be scrapped

The latest farming news from the Conservative Party conference in Manchester

Alex Black
Deputy Editor
clock • 1 min read
Rishi Sunak speaking at the Conservative Party conference 2023
Image:

Rishi Sunak speaking at the Conservative Party conference 2023

Live Updates

North East Somerset Conservative MP Jacob Rees Mogg has called for the UK to import 'hormone-injected beef' from Australia and the scrapping of import tariffs on food to open up trade.

The prominent Brexiteer spoke at the 'Rally for Growth' at the Conservative Party conference. 

He said Britain was 'not open to the world', calling for the scrapping of all import tariffs with a particular emphasis on food.

He said: "I want cheaper food. I want hormone-injected beef from Australia. I've eaten beef in Australia, it's delicious. There's nothing wrong with it."

HS2

HS2 was also in focus at the Manchester-based conference, with reports that its Manchester leg was going to be scrapped.

Farmers affected by the construction of the high speed line have raised concerns that all their stress and anxiety would 'be for nothing' if the project was cancelled.

More on Politics

Exclusive: 'We've heard the frustration on SFI26. Now let's fix it together'

Exclusive: 'We've heard the frustration on SFI26. Now let's fix it together'

Stephen Morgan, Minister for Farming, says Defra will work with farmers to make the support schemes work

Jane Thynne
clock 09 October 2026 • 3 min read
From the editor: Badenoch has the speech, but not yet the votes

From the editor: Badenoch has the speech, but not yet the votes

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 08 October 2026 • 2 min read
No family farm tax or Inheritance Tax on family homes under Kemi Badenoch's Conservative party plans

No family farm tax or Inheritance Tax on family homes under Kemi Badenoch's Conservative party plans

The Conservative party leader also said she wanted Reform voters to 'come back home' and ruled out any deal with Nigel Farage's party at the next General Election

Rachael Brown
clock 07 October 2026 • 4 min read