51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - Aphra Brandreth: "Defra has been consigned to irrelevance by Labour"

Conservative MP Aphra Brandreth discusses how Chancellor Rachel Reeves' proposed cuts to the nature-friendly farming budget at the Spending Review could diminish farmers' confidence in Government and Defra

clock • 3 min read
Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "If Defra Secretary [Steve Reed] cannot even defend such a clear win-win policy from cuts by the Chancellor, we will be left with the conclusion that he simply is not able to stand up for either farmers, rural communities, or the natural environment on which we all depend."
Image:

Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth said: "If Defra Secretary [Steve Reed] cannot even defend such a clear win-win policy from cuts by the Chancellor, we will be left with the conclusion that he simply is not able to stand up for either farmers, rural communities, or the natural environment on which we all depend."

When I speak with the farmers I represent, I am struck that there are few groups of people who care more about protecting and enhancing our environment. They recognise that food production is built...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Iran war: 70% of US farmers cannot afford fertiliser needs on-farm, report says

Iran war: 70% of US farmers cannot afford fertiliser needs on-farm, report says

Like farmers in the UK, food producers in the US are facing an uphill battle with skyrocketing increases to key farm inputs

Chris Brayford
clock 20 April 2026 • 6 min read
Iran war: Arable farmers face uphill battle for survival if price inputs continue to soar

Iran war: Arable farmers face uphill battle for survival if price inputs continue to soar

UK growers are under renewed pressure from conflict in the Middle East, and all at a time when margins were already under significant strain

Chris Brayford
clock 20 April 2026 • 3 min read
Left, right or centre? - How milk preference in tea and coffee could influence your political voting intentions

Left, right or centre? - How milk preference in tea and coffee could influence your political voting intentions

Are Labour voters more likely to put almond alternatives in their tea? And are Tories and Reform voters more likely to have whole milk in their coffee?

Chris Brayford
clock 18 April 2026 • 2 min read