Nigel Farage has come under fire for prioritising his long-standing support for Donald Trump over the concerns of British farmers. The Reform UK leader made headlines today after speaking at a farmers’ rally opposing the government’s proposed reduction of inheritance tax relief on large estates.
Speaking from Belmont Farm in North London, Farage fired up the crowd by calling the tax plan “monstrous” and vowing to reverse it if his party takes power at the next general election. But not everyone is convinced by his newfound love for British agriculture.
“Nigel loves Trump more than farmers”
Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, was less than enthusiastic about Farage’s presence at the rally. Speaking to Sky News, she argued that Farage’s close relationship with Donald Trump and the US could spell disaster for British farmers if it leads to a trade deal with America.
“Nigel wants to feel part of our tribe,” she said. “But Nigel loves America, and he puts Trump first. If we put Trump first and do a deal with them, British farming won’t survive.”
Webster warned that US agricultural interests are far too aggressive for British farmers to compete with.
“They say ‘America first’ for a reason,” she added. “There is no hope for British farming if we sign a trade deal with the US. If Nige wants to be on our side, he’ll have to drop his desire for that deal—and I don’t see that happening.”
What’s the problem with a US trade deal?
Farage’s critics argue that a free trade deal with the US would allow cheaper, lower-quality American produce to flood the UK market. With the US having less stringent regulations on food production, concerns have been raised over the potential import of hormone-treated beef and chlorine-washed chicken—products banned under current EU standards.
If British farmers are forced to compete with mass-produced American goods, many fear that small and family-owned farms could go under.
Despite these warnings, Farage has continued to push for closer ties with the US as part of his post-Brexit vision, saying that a deal with America would boost the economy.
Can Farage win over British farmers?
Farage’s appearance at the rally was part of his broader campaign to tap into discontent among rural voters, many of whom feel abandoned by traditional parties. But if he’s serious about backing farmers, experts say he’ll need to rethink his enthusiasm for US trade agreements.
Until then, his critics will continue to question whether his loyalty to Trump comes at the cost of the very people he claims to support.
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