From Northumberland to Cheshire, members travelled from across the region to meet their MPs and urge them to help reverse the Inheritance Tax announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget.
NFU North members, staff and Group Secretaries met a total of 47 MPs from all parties throughout the day.
At Church House, NFU President Tom Bradshaw was joined by NFU Cymru President Aled Jones, NFUS President Martin Kennedy and UFU President William Irvine, where he delivered a speech to members in three sessions.
North members then ventured to the Houses of Parliament and other venues to look their MP in the eye and tell them how the changes to APR would affect their businesses and futures.
‘A real insight’
There was also opportunity for members to take part in a second event, a rally organised by a group of farmers, including Olly Harrison and James Mills, which attracted thousands of people to the streets of London.
Both events were covered through the day by national and regional media.
NFU North Regional Board chair William Maughan not only met with his own MP, but was one of a group of members who sat in on the Efra Select Committee to hear Defra Minister Steve Reed speak to the committee about the impact from the Budget decisions.
William described sitting in on the public meeting as “a real insight”, adding: “It was really encouraging to hear the committee, particularly the Chairman, push the Secretary of State very hard on those decisions.
“There was reference made several times to the group of farmers outside and the group sat at the back, so I think that spurred them on to push a bit harder at times.”
“The strength that that shows as an industry and the leadership and strength of the NFU to pull that together is incredibly powerful and it must send a very strong signal to the government and indeed all the MPs at Westminster.”
NFU North Regional Board chair William Maughan
‘A mesmerising experience’
Speaking of the day itself, William said: “It was a mesmerising experience – a huge experience – and I’m incredibly proud to be part of the proceedings. Central London was handed over to farmers.
“The numbers there were overwhelming. There was a fantastic show of support from the rally outside which added weight to everything we’re trying to achieve and it was a real show of strength done in a very dignified manner.
“The highlight of the lobby event for me was seeing the culmination of the effort that had gone in from members and staff. It was amazing to see the stream of people piling in to talk to their MPs to push the issue forward.
“The strength that that shows as an industry and the leadership and strength of the NFU to pull that together is incredibly powerful and it must send a very strong signal to the government and indeed all the MPs at Westminster.
“Well done to everyone who attended the lobby, to everyone who supported the rally, and well done to everyone at home for all the support.”
