"We should not be biting the hand that feeds us" - Strictly Come Dancing contestant's words on British farming

Bosh! Thomas Skinner lends helping hand to British farmers on Inheritance Tax reforms

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Social media sensation Thomas Skinner said: "If we lose control of our food. We lose control of our freedom." (Pictured at Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog).
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Social media sensation Thomas Skinner said: "If we lose control of our food. We lose control of our freedom." (Pictured at Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog).

One of the latest contestants to be revealed on Strictly Come Dancing has delivered an impassioned plea for the public to back British farming amid uncertain times for the sector.

Thomas Skinner, a businessman and media personality who appeared on series 15 of The Apprentice, was announced as the latest celebrity name who will take to the Strictly ballroom later this year to showcase his Paso Doble skills.

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He has taken social media by storm over the years with his videos, often eating anything from a Sunday roast to a steak and ale pie at 6am, and his trademark positivity and catchphrase of 'bosh'.

Speaking out on IHT

But Mr Skinner has spoken out on Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget changes to Inheritance Tax, having said that farmers are 'more important than one could ever imagine', and that the Government should not take them for granted.

"We should not be biting the hand that feeds us," he added.

Back British farming

"If we want to continue to feed our families healthy British vegetables, meat, eggs, poultry and dairy, we need to help and support our farmers.

"They are more important than we could ever imagine.

Food security

"If we lose control of our food. We lose control of our freedom."

Mr Skinner has provided an honest assessment of farming and why the British public should support the sector now more than ever.

"Remember, a bit of machinery like a combine harvester or tractor can cost around £500,000 " he added.

"Farms are worth lots of money because of the machinery and land.

"Just because the assets are worth this much, it does not mean they have loads of cash flow.

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT: Join Farmers Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign

"Supermarkets have squeezed farmers so after all the hard work they literally get pennies for loafs of bread and cheese.

"I know a couple of farmers who have turned fields into car boot sales and do pumpkin patches at Halloween to help cover the costs of farming [because] they are constantly being sanctioned and squeezed.

"It is not an easy job. 

"Please, let's all get behind our farmers. We need our food.

"No farmers, no food."

READ NOW: Farmers 'astonished' by Government's Inheritance Tax impact assessments

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