Reform UK plays down Goldsmith role on green policy

Reform UK has sought to distance itself from suggestions that Conservative environmentalist Ben Goldsmith is shaping its agricultural and nature policy, amid growing scrutiny of the party’s stance on farming and land use.

In a statement issued by Reform UK’s Farmers Group, the party said media reports in The Guardian claiming Mr Goldsmith was writing its agricultural and nature policy were “misleading and inaccurate”.

The group said that while Mr Goldsmith had shared views with the party, “he is not leading, directing, or writing Reform UK’s agricultural or nature policy”, insisting that policy development is being driven by farmers and land managers with direct experience of food production.

See also: Can Reform UK be trusted to deliver for farming?

The intervention comes as Reform seeks to reassure rural voters and farmers about its approach to environmental policy, with Mr Goldsmith a controversial figure in farming circles due to his association with rewilding and nature-led land use.

Reform UK said its agricultural and rural policy is being developed by “experienced farmers, land managers and industry experts” and reiterated its position that farming should remain central to national food security, with productive agriculture and environmental improvement pursued together.

The party also rejected large-scale rewilding proposals, saying policies involving the rewilding of productive farmland or the destocking of upland farms “are not aligned with its principles or objectives”.

However, comments from both Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Mr Goldsmith suggest ongoing engagement.

Mr Farage has been quoted in the Daily Telegraph saying Reform is “talking to Ben Goldsmith” and is interested in his ideas.

When approached by Farmers Weekly, Mr Goldsmith, the founder of the Conservative Environment Network, said he was “hopeful” Reform UK would be open to his policy recommendations, stopping short of claiming any formal role.

A Reform UK spokesman told The Guardian that while the party regularly seeks input from individuals with relevant expertise, this does not amount to outsourcing policy development.