British Farming Under Andy Burnham: Promises, Pressure and Priorities
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Simon Evans examines what Andy Burnham’s arrival in Number 10 could mean for British agriculture, and why warm words on food security, farm profitability and trade must now be backed by meaningful action.
For anyone interested in politics, it has been something of a momentous week. Not only have we seen a new Prime Minister entering Number 10, but there is a real feeling that this could be a genuine ‘reset’ after two years of lacklustre leadership.
Monday saw the appointment of Andy Burnham’s new cabinet, and the promotion of Angela Eagle to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She is not a complete stranger to the sector, having been Farming Minister until as recently as June this year.
Mr Burnham seems keen to make a new start, but it is important that this does not mean abandoning progress which was made under Keir Starmer’s leadership. This includes the Farm Profitability Review led by Minette Batters, the subsequent Farming Road Map which sets out what needs to happen between now and 2050, and the Farming and Food Partnership, which met for the first time in March.
Whilst far from perfect, all of these initiatives do feel like a step forward, and it is to be hoped that the new PM doesn’t leave them behind just for the sake of doing something new.
The noises made by Mr Burnham about agriculture as he charted his path to Number 10 were generally positive. He has spoken of the need for a level playing field so that UK farmers are not faced with being undercut by cheap exports produced with lower welfare standards.
He has also said that we need to reduce our reliance on imports in a volatile global market (and that shouldn’t just mean food, but the vital farming inputs such as fertiliser as well). And his instinct to build closer ties with the EU, our biggest and closest market, are certainly helpful.
Above all, our new Prime Minster has said that ‘food and farming must be safeguarded’, rightly framing British food production as a matter of national security. He says that agriculture is a ‘critical sector’ in his economic plans. And he has hinted that he may revisit the controversial agricultural inheritance tax changes introduced by the now ex-Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
All of these are welcome words – but as we know, words are easy, it is action which counts. If he is serious about safeguarding the future of British agriculture, it will take political commitment and hard cash, something which even the charismatic Andy Burnham cannot magic up from nowhere.
So the farming world should welcome the new occupant of Number 10 – but at the same time, keep up the pressure to ensure he follows through on the promises he as made.
Simon Evans is agricultural consultant at Arnolds Keys – Irelands Agricultural.
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