The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Former Labour adviser and Tony Blair aide claims Britain 'does not need farmers'

"It (farming) is an industry we can do without. We do not need small (family) farmers"

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
"Farmers still get a privileged status for their farms and for me personally, I am in favour of doing what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners." (@johnmcternan)
Image:

"Farmers still get a privileged status for their farms and for me personally, I am in favour of doing what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners." (@johnmcternan)

A former Labour adviser has claimed Britain 'no longer needs farmers' in a row over Agricultural Property Relief (APR). John McTernan, who was a director of political operations under former Prime Minister...

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
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

Defra grilled on SFI26 chaos and accusations of farming underspend
Politics

Defra grilled on SFI26 chaos and accusations of farming underspend

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 16 October 2026 • 3 min read
Defra releases update on SFI exception groups
Politics

Defra releases update on SFI exception groups

Rural Payments Agency release further details on who qualifies for exception groups due to reported technical issues with SFI Window 2

Rachael Brown
Rachael Brown
clock 15 October 2026 • 3 min read
From the editor: Farming should not be a 'risky business' and Government must act
Politics

From the editor: Farming should not be a 'risky business' and Government must act

Katie Jones
Katie Jones
clock 15 October 2026 • 2 min read