Tractors outside parliament drive farming message home to MPs

Farmers have parked three tractors outside the Houses of Parliament to help raise the profile of British farming to MPs.

The three Massey Ferguson tractors were driven to London as part of the NFU’s Back British Farming Day on Wednesday (14 September).

MPs are also being asked to wear specially designed British wheat lapel badges to Prime Minister’s Questions and sign a pledge to support agriculture post-Brexit.

See also: Industry gears up for ‘Back British Farming campaign’

Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom and Defra minister George Eustice have already confirmed their support and attendance.

I want to see this vital industry go from strength to strength and supporting our farmers will form an important part of our exit from the EU.
Andrea Leadsom

The event is timed to coincide with the end of an NFU consultation which asked farmers what the government’s domestic farming policy should be after the UK leaves the EU.

Long-term support

NFU deputy president Minette Batters said: “It is essential that post-Brexit, agriculture is seen as strategically and politically important in all future trade negotiations.”

Ms Batters said there was a need to ensure government was committed to supporting the long-term future of an industry worth £108bn to the economy and one that is responsible for putting so much British food on our plates.

“That’s why we have arranged the event in Westminster and I would urge as many MPs as possible to sign our pledge.”

Defra secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “British farming is a bedrock of our economy and enjoys a global reputation for producing world-class food.

“I want to see this vital industry go from strength to strength and supporting our farmers will form an important part of our exit from the EU.

“I look forward to working with the farming industry to shape a bright new future.”