Government’s token gestures will do little to ease financial burden for farmers: MP

While acknowledging the extension of temporary duty relief on fuel and the planned cuts to fertiliser tariffs and VAT on electricity, the Upper Bann MP said farmers needed a more substantial commitment to UK food production and long-term food security.

“Farmers across the UK were relying on this Budget to deliver meaningful support, and demonstrate an understanding of the mounting financial pressures they face on a daily basis,” said Ms Lockhart.

She continued: “The Chancellor expects the reductions to give farmers “more room to breathe”.

“I welcome the Treasury’s recognition that farmers are struggling with rising input costs. I also acknowledge that extending the temporary reduction in fuel duty until July 2027 will provide some relief. However, with fuel prices having risen sharply in recent months, this extension will do little to resolve the cashflow difficulties facing many farming businesses.”

Carla Lockhart MP added: “The planned cuts, ranging from 2% to 6.5%, on fertiliser tariffs from 26th November sound positive, but the reality is that many fertiliser products already enter the UK tariff-free. The Government must explain how these changes will translate into real monetary savings for farmers, rather than simply offering another headline that fails to deliver at farm level.

“These are nothing more than token gestures. What farmers desperately need is tangible, sustained support. Farming businesses are being squeezed by the rising costs of fuel, fertiliser, feed, machinery and other essential inputs, while uncertainty over taxation and the future direction of agricultural policy continues to undermine confidence and investment.

“The Chancellor had a real opportunity to demonstrate a long-term commitment to British agriculture. He failed to grasp it!”

The MP said: “Farmers cannot be expected to shoulder ever-increasing costs while continuing to produce high-quality food to the standards demanded of them. The Labour Government needs to step up and bolster domestic food production.

“Food security must be treated as a national priority, not an afterthought. Westminster should be doing everything possible to strengthen domestic supply chains, encourage investment in farming businesses and ensure that future generations can continue to produce food in the United Kingdom.

“Instead, farming families have been left wondering whether this Government truly understands the contribution they make to our economy, our rural communities and our national resilience.”

The MP urged Chancellor John Healey to recognise that a thriving agricultural sector is fundamental to our future. She said: “If we undermine the people who produce our food, we risk becoming increasingly reliant on imports and exposing consumers to greater uncertainty over supply, prices and production standards.

“British farmers deserve more than warm words and marginal adjustments to tariffs. They need a Government that delivers practical policies, reduces unnecessary burdens and creates the conditions for farm businesses to invest, grow and remain viable.

“The message from this Budget is deeply disappointing. The Labour Party must do much more to support farmers, protect British food production and safeguard the long-term security of our national food supply,” concluded Ms Lockhart.