Backing our farmers

Liberal Democrats were proud to support Gloucestershire’s farmers at a recent meeting of Gloucestershire County Council.

They voted unanimously to back this very important group of people who have been the target of new tax rises (dubbed the ‘Family Farm Tax’) by the Labour Government.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Prospective MP for North Cotswolds, spoke on behalf of the administration at the County Council: 

"As someone who represents a rural area of Gloucestershire — including many of our hardworking farmers in the North Cotswolds — I want to speak today in strong support of the people who feed this country, care for our landscape, and sustain our rural economy.

"Over months and years, I’ve spoken to local farmers — people who’ve worked the same land for generations. They’ve told me, in no uncertain terms, how tough things are right now. Tight margins, rising costs, and supermarket pressures are leaving family farms on a cliff edge.

“Our farmers aren’t asking for special treatment — they’re asking for a fair deal.

"So let’s make it clear: Gloucestershire stands shoulder to shoulder with its farmers. We will keep fighting for fairness, for freedom to farm, and for the future of our rural communities.

“Our farmers feed Britain — it’s time Britain fed them the respect and support they deserve."