PM 'reneges' on commitment to protect tenant farmers from solar takeovers, TFA warns

At the now infamous NFU Conference in 2023, Sir Keir Starmer said solar energy infrastructure should not come at the expense of tenant farmers and food production. But TFA chief executive George Dunn said a recent outcome for tenants in North Yorkshire would suggest otherwise

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."
Image:

Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has failed to honour a commitment to the agricultural sector prior to the General Election that solar energy schemes would not come at the expense of tenant farm businesses,...

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

 

More on Politics

MPs debate IHT as Finance Bill passes second reading

MPs debate IHT as Finance Bill passes second reading

Labour MPs were not expected to abstain on the vote today (December 16)

Alex Black
clock 16 December 2025 • 4 min read
Starmer faces the Liaison Committee, but loses face even more

Starmer faces the Liaison Committee, but loses face even more

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer does not seem to like farming, but he does seem to like digging rather large holes for himself

clock 16 December 2025 • 1 min read
Trump signs Executive Order to support farmers impacted by 'unfair market disruptions'

Trump signs Executive Order to support farmers impacted by 'unfair market disruptions'

US President Donald Trump once more condemned the impact of the 'Death Tax' on family farms, while stating his appreciation for farmers, and why farming communities could receive a share of a $12bn relief programme

Chris Brayford
clock 16 December 2025 • 10 min read