Labour has announced 27 policies harmful for rural Britain, the Countryside Alliance claims
The Countryside Alliance is set to launch a new campaign demanding Andy Burnham resets the Government’s relationship with rural Britain.
New analysis from the CA has revealed that in just two years, Labour has announced or imposed 27 policies that are harmful to the countryside and rural communities.
This includes imposing inheritance tax on farmers and agricultural businesses, as well as plans to ban trail hunting and restrict game shooting.
The campaign will be officially launched at an event in Westminster on September 14, with senior politicians and countryside organisations coming forward to offer the government the opportunity for a genuine reset with rural Britain.
This will include the former National Farmers’ Union president and crossbench peer Baroness Minette Batters, who wrote the government’s farming affordability review.
The CA has said that if Mr Burnham genuinely wants good growth in every postcode then he will have to boost businesses in rural areas as one in four postcodes are in the countryside.
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "The timing of this campaign and event is significant.
“After two years where an unprecedented range of government policies have left rural people feeling under attack, a new Prime Minister provides an opportunity for the government to reset its relationship with rural Britain and recognise the contribution the countryside can make to the whole country.
“Andy Burnham has talked about growth in every postcode and the need to listen to all parts of the country. The countryside is ready to play its part.
“Rural people are not asking government to solve every problem overnight. They are asking to be heard, understood and treated fairly.
“It is time to treat the countryside as part of the solution to a united Britain, not a problem or an afterthought. We are asking the government to work with rural communities, not against them. Now is the time for a rural reset.”
A government spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister has pledged to deliver growth in every postcode and put power back into the hands of local communities.
“We recognise the vital role rural communities play, and the challenges they face – that’s why we’re backing our commitment to them with real investment.
“This includes a record £11.8bn into sustainable farming and food production, to build a profitable, productive and resilient farming sector that supports growth across the country.”