Farmers in Wales protesting against proposed changes to farm subsidies have received public support from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. During a meeting outside the Welsh Conservative conference in Llandudno, Sunak assured the protesters “we’ve got your back”. The farmers object to Labour government proposals requiring 10% of agricultural land to be planted with trees and another 10% for wildlife habitat. The scheme has been promoted as necessary to tackle climate change, and could be revised after consultation. Protests, including a demonstration in Cardiff next week, have escalated.
Gareth Wyn Jones, among those attending the protest, had posted on social media the day before that he had received death threats. Mr. Jones later stated he would take a break from the protests to consider the safety of his family. Protesting farmers have received extensive public support since the Brexit referendum as UK governments grapple with replacing European Union subsidies. Sunak’s support reflects the increasing political sensitivity of issues surrounding farming, particularly relating to climate change.
David TC Davies, Conservative Secretary of State for Wales, has expressed confidence in the Party’s electoral prospects, stating he ignores dire polling and relies on meeting people on the ground. However, with rising concerns over farming, education, the NHS and speed limits, among other issues, Labour, currently governing Wales, may be increasingly challenged by electoral competition from the Conservative Party.
The Welsh government defends the scheme as helping to support all farmers in Wales and argues it is committed to working with the farming sector. However, many farmers are unhappy with the proposal as they claim it will cause financial difficulties and lead to reduced food production. Sunak’s intervention reflects the importance of farming issues in the wider political framework as governments across the UK make decisions about replacing EU farm subsidies and take steps to combat climate change
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