National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland has met with more than 20 MPs and MSPs to spotlight the priorities of Scotland’s farmers at the Labour Party Conference.
The Labour Party Conference, held in Liverpool, saw NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon attend alongside NFU Scotland deputy CEO and director of policy Jonnie Hall. Head of external affairs at NFU Scotland, Beatrice Morrice, also represented the Union.
Across the programme, the team met with a number of Government officials, including:
- Anas Sarwar MSP, leader of Scottish Labour
- Emma Reynolds MP, Defra Secretary of State
- Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Scotland
They also met with a wide range of MPs, MSPs and advisers from across the Labour Government.
“Family farms must be supported, not penalised and food production must remain at the core of political priorities.”
Andrew Connon, NFU Scotland
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 said it 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.
