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

Farmers need more than short term relief, says Labour MP

Farmers need more than short term relief, says Labour MP

Labour MP for South Norfolk Ben Goldsborough welcomed support in the Budget for rural households, but he said we must go 'further' to make British farming profitable

Rachael Brown
clock 30 October 2026 • 2 min read
Defra commits to addressing commons and upland issues

Defra commits to addressing commons and upland issues

Tenant Farmers Association has urged RPA and Defra to better financially support common and upland farmers who are currently frozen out of new agreements or stuck in existing ones

Rachael Brown
clock 29 October 2026 • 1 min read
Farmer vows to fight on after Budget's family farm tax snub

Farmer vows to fight on after Budget's family farm tax snub

Protest organiser says Labour squandered the opportunity to reset its relationship with the rural community

Jane Thynne
clock 29 October 2026 • 2 min read