NFU Scotland has used this week’s Labour Party Conference to press home the priorities of Scotland’s farmers and crofters – meeting with more than 20 MPs and MSPs, including senior Cabinet members and party leaders.
President Andrew Connon, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy Jonnie Hall, and Head of External Affairs Beatrice Morrice represented the Union at the conference in Liverpool. Across a packed programme, the team met with:
- Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of Scottish Labour
- Emma Reynolds MP, DEFRA Secretary of State
- Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland
- and a wide range of MPs, MSPs and advisers from across the Labour government
At the meetings, NFU Scotland emphasised the urgent need to address Inheritance Tax (IHT) proposals, raised concerns over National Insurance increases, underlined the importance of access to skilled labour, and pushed for food production, food security and resilience to be at the heart of future policy.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:
“This was a vital opportunity to ensure that Scottish farming’s voice was heard directly by those shaping Labour’s agenda in government. We were clear: family farms must be supported, not penalised and food production must remain at the core of political priorities. Our members expect us to speak up on their behalf and we will continue to do so at every level.”
NFU Scotland will continue to engage with UK and Scottish Government ministers, as well as parliamentarians across all parties, in the weeks ahead to ensure the industry’s priorities are recognised and acted upon. With the Scottish Parliament elections on the horizon, NFU Scotland will be working hard to keep farming, food and rural Scotland high on every party’s agenda.
Notes to editors:
A photograph of Jonnie Hall, Andrew Connon and Emma Reynolds MP, DEFRA Secretary of State is attached
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Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826