Robert has provided us with this statement about her commitment to rural Britain.
As my daughters will tell you, I’m a countryside man. Weekend after weekend, I drag them, under some duress, to walk the very best of our countryside.
Growing up in Wolverhampton, the Shropshire Hills were just a short drive away. Since I was a boy, it has been in England’s great rural landscape that I have felt most at home.
It’s why I am so proud to represent Newark, my rural North Nottinghamshire constituency.
But let me be clear. The countryside is not a theme park. It is not a plaything or a holiday resort – to be looked at but ignored.
It is the beating heart of our economy and home to millions. It should be supported – and championed – as such.
The Conservative Rural Forum has made an immensely positive impact since its creation in championing our farmers, the countryside, and the importance of food security.
So, I want to take the work that you do forward by setting out four key commitments on rural issues for my leadership of the Conservative Party.
Protect Rural Pursuits
When I was first elected in a by-election in 2014, it was on the backs of literally millions of leaflets delivered and conversations held by volunteers from Vote-OK. The promise I made to those volunteers then – that I would defend our precious rural pursuits – is as important to me now as it was then.
Generational British pursuits like grouse shooting, deer stalking, and trail hunting are all under siege from a metropolitan class that loathe the countryside way of life. Make no mistake, I will oppose each and every assault on our traditional pursuits.
Farms are for Food
Britain’s food security has continued to deteriorate in recent years. The changes made to subsidies in the aftermath of the referendum have regrettably further diminished that. Today, a broken market pushes too many farmers to turn good agricultural land over to either ‘rewilding’ or solar farms.
It must end. We must recognise that food security is a national security imperative and that the role of farmers is – above all – to feed our nation. That’s where agricultural subsidies should be concentrated. It’s also why I’d ban prime agricultural land from being converted into solar farms.
I’ll pay farmers to farm – not support fashionable left-wing causes.
Reform Defra
DEFRA is supposed to exist to support our rural communities. Instead, in recent years, it has become a obstacle to farmers and land managers. I will restore DEFRA to its proper role, defending and enhancing those that protect, preserve, and farm our national landscape.
I will make sure that it is led by farmers and that each and every decision it takes places them – not fashionable left-wing causes – at their heart.
Protect the Rural Economy
I’m deeply worried about Labour’s plans for the rural economy. The budget threatens to be a declaration of war on farmers and rural businesses. In particular, I fear that the introduction of inheritance tax will inevitably cause the break-up of generational farms. This is a blatant attack on our farming communities and demonstrates a deep misunderstanding of rural Britain. Into this, we also face the spectre of agricultural subsidies being slashed and farmers being worse off.
Since entering government, Labour ministers have said precious little about their long-term plans for this vital sector and have done nothing to quell the concerns of our farmers. Through a failure to engage or understand our farmers and their way of life I fear that this Labour government will compromise our domestic food security and in turn our national security.
As leader, I will oppose these attacks on rural businesses and always fund our rural economy properly.