Christmas Day is a time for family, tradition and food. In communities like ours, surrounded by farmland, it is also a good moment to think about the farmers who produce the food we enjoy and the challenges they are facing.
In recent weeks, I have met farmers in Parliament who told me directly how hard things have become. Many spoke about the impact of Labour government policies on their livelihoods. Rising costs, uncertainty and damaging tax changes are putting huge pressure on family farms across Somerset.
Commons Library research shows that farming incomes can vary sharply from year to year, with many farms relying on careful long-term planning to survive. When government policy adds uncertainty, it becomes harder to invest, harder to plan and harder for younger people to see a future in farming.
One of the biggest concerns raised with me was the family farm tax. Farmers fear it will make it harder to pass farms on, threaten long-established family businesses and weaken confidence across the sector. In a county like Somerset, where farming shapes our landscape and economy, this should concern us all.
Food security is also at stake. Commons Library briefings highlight the importance of domestic food production in keeping the UK resilient. If we allow family farms to disappear, we weaken our ability to feed ourselves and support rural communities.
The Liberal Democrats believe the government needs to change direction. We are calling for a rethink of policies that undermine family farms, better support for farm incomes and a clear plan to encourage new entrants into agriculture. Farming is not just another industry. It is essential to our food supply, environment and way of life.
Choosing British produce at Christmas is a positive step, but it is not enough on its own. Farmers need a government that understands their challenges and values the work they do.
This Christmas Day, as we sit down to eat, I will continue standing up for farmers in Chard, Ilminster and across Somerset, and pressing the government to listen before more family farms are lost.
As we enjoy Christmas Day, I wish everyone across Somerset a peaceful Christmas, and thank the farmers who make it possible.
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