“British farmers deserve better”, says Lib Dem MP Sarah Gibson on Back British Farming Day

Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Lyneham and Royal Wootton Bassett, Sarah Gibson, is calling on the Government to stop neglecting Britain’s farmers and take urgent action to safeguard the future of our rural communities, as MPs celebrate the NFU’s Back British Farming Day. 

The party is demanding a full package of support including scrapping the unfair Family Farm Tax, restoring Defra funding for Young Farmers’ Clubs, and introducing mandatory country-of-origin labelling on all beef products, including in large shops and large restaurants.

It comes on ‘Back British Farming Day’, after the Government signed off on 13,000 tonnes of tariff-free US beef imports with President Trump, threatening to undercut British producers with cheaper and lower-standard beef imports. At the same time, the Government has axed long-standing Defra funding for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), which has supported over 23,000 young people for more than 30 years. 

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to continue fighting for a £1 billion boost to the farming budget and fairer treatment for family farms across the UK.

Sarah Gibson MP said:

“British farmers put food on our tables and keep our rural economy alive, but this Government keeps selling them short. 

“From unfair taxes on family farms to slashing Defra support for young farmers, ministers are making it harder for the next generation to survive in agriculture. 

“I have met with local farmers and hosted the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Chair, Alistair Carmichael MP, in the constituency to listen to the challenges facing farmers first hand. 

“Our farmers need our support now, more than ever. 

“As someone who buys their produce directly from producers in Bremhill, I see the importance of buying what we can locally. This puts money back into the pockets of local farmers, is better for the environment and keeps our rural businesses going. 

“The Liberal Democrats are demanding proper backing, fairer funding and clear labelling so shoppers can support British produce. It’s time to stop neglecting our farmers and start standing up for them. British farmers deserve better.”