The Labour leadership election and the party’s move to the left of centre presents farming with both new challenges and some potential opportunities. Our head of government and parliamentary affairs, Matt Ware, explores how the Labour lurch to the left could pan out for both rural politics and in Westminster.
He writes:
There is no doubt that Labour is still a formidable force in the important job of keeping the government of the day in check.
More of our staff blogs...
Head of government and parliamentary affairs, Matt Ware - The changing role of the Liberal Democrats
NFU food chain adviser Lorna Hegenbarth - Shoppers must be able to tell where their food is from
NFU Environment Forum member, Ian Waller - Why clean water means a happy life and a happy wife
Chief food chain adviser Ruth Mason - Dairy - is the tide turning?
Diane Armitage is an NFU Sugar adviser - Why we need to look beyond the hype of Jamie Oliver's Sugar Rushwables
With 232 MPs , Labour should not be disregarded in this important role, since the next in line, the SNP, trail inon 56. If we are to focus on politics South of the border (the NFU’s membership covers England and Wales) then the second opposition is the Liberal Democrats with eight MPs.
It is possible to work together on some areas while parking more contentious areas.
The media have filled many column inches with commentary on the appointment of various shadow cabinet members with reflections on their history or beliefs. However, it is important to see through this and focus on areas of commonality or potentialy productive work together, rather than dwelling on areas of difference.
It is possible to work together on some areas while parking more contentious areas.
Ultimately, any frontbench team and its individual members will be judged more on their results and what they deliver for their area of responsibility, rather than their personal beliefs.
Of particular interest is Jeremy Corbyn’s recent rural policy consultation ‘Rural Renewal’ which focuses on improving rural housing, rural transport and rural infrastructure (such as broadband). Other areas of common policies with Labour include renewable energy, flooding, planning and a national food plan. Building upon the Labour Food 2030 document, a national food plan was a key Labour manifesto pledge and that is why we are focussing on how to implement one in our fringe meeting at the Labour Party conference in Brighton on September 28.
“How do we best develop a national food strategy for the UK?” will be held in conjunction with the Food and Drink Federation on Monday 28 September at 6.45pm, at the Queen’s hotel, Brighton.