'We will keep fighting this awful tax and hopefully, eventually, the Chancellor will listen' - NFU president vows to keep campaigning after National Day of Unity

Farmers have been out across the country to engage with the public on the campaign to stop the family farm tax

Alex Black
clock • 2 min read
Credit: David Handford
Image:

Credit: David Handford

The public have shown overwhelming support for farming during the farming unions' National Day of Unity, according to farmers out and about up and down the country.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "It has been great. We have had 50 of our members here in the centre of Cambridge where I have been, and five tractors and it's been quite a spectacle. And events like this have been replicated all over the UK.

READ NOW: Which supermarkets are standing up for farmers over the family farm tax so far?

"Today has all been about engaging with the public and helping them understand the challenges we are facing and thanking them for their support. 

"On Friday, we delivered our petition to Downing Street with over 270,000 signatures, so today is just another step in the campaign. 

Autumn Budget

"This week we have also seen all the major retailers come out in support, which is unheard of, for all of them to take a stance on what is after all a political decision, and we really welcome that. 

"Collectively, all these events taking place, and also the Office of Budget Responsibility report which highlights some of our concerns around older farmers not being able to plan for the future, it all keeps the pressure on, keeps this issue in the media.

"We will keep fighting this awful tax and hopefully, eventually, the Chancellor will listen."

READ NOW: Virgin Money calls on Government to work with farmers on Inheritance Tax

Derbyshire upland dairy farmer David Handford said there had been 'really positive responses' from members of the public.

"One thing that surprised me was how many of them were already fully aware of the situation and fully behind the farmers cause.  Another surprise was the number of people we spoke to that either owned or worked for local businesses that relied on farms for their custom," he said.

"Overall a great day talking to the public about why farming matters and why this government must reconsider its position on the family farm tax. Made to feel very welcome at our local Morrisons in Chalel en le Frith, Derbyshire."

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