On Monday 14 September, the countryside comes to Westminster. Rural representatives will join senior politicians at the launch of the Campaign for the Countryside to make the case for a rural reset. An unprecedented range of government policies over the past two years have left rural people feeling under attack. If political leaders want to speak for all parts of the country, they have to hear the countryside too.
For the past two years, the rural way of life has been under attack. The countryside is central to Britain’s prosperity, contributing more than £300 billion to the economy and supporting over 4 million jobs. It feeds the nation and provides enjoyment for millions. Yet the voice of the countryside has not been heard.
Damaging policies have hit the countryside hard and alienated rural communities. The family farm tax attacked the people who put food on our tables. Misguided measures on horseracing are harming the nation’s second most popular spectator sport, while greyhound racing has been banned outright in Wales and Scotland. Trail hunting is to be abolished and shooting is now under attack as well, despite their major contribution to conservation and the rural economy. All of these measures could be avoided or changed, if only their impact on the countryside was understood.
Two-thirds of voters now think that the government neglects rural people. But if we work together, we can turn that around. The Prime Minister has promised good growth in every postcode and to speak for all parts of the country. Rural businesses and communities are ready to play their part. What’s needed now is a government willing to work with the countryside - not against it.
Campaign for the countryside
Our countryside has faced an unprecedented number of damaging policies in the last two years
Showing 4 facts about Farming
Changes to inheritance tax and uncertainty over agricultural funding has seriously damaged trust between farmers and government.
- 70%
of the countryside is cared for by farmers
- 65%
of the nation's food is produced by UK farmers
- 4.1m
people work in the UK's agri-food sector
- £153bn
is the value of the agri-food sector
Stay in the know
Leave your details and we'll let you know how to take part in the Campaign for the Countryside.
FAQs
What is the Campaign for the Countryside?
It is a national moment for everyone who lives in, works in or loves the British countryside. On 14 September we are coming together to make a simple, positive case: it is time to reset the relationship between government and rural Britain, and to back the countryside as a vital part of our national life.
Why is this happening now?
A new government is a chance for a new start. Rural Britain has felt increasingly overlooked and under pressure from government policies that affect farming, rural services, businesses and the rural way of life. We are launching the campaign now to make sure the countryside is heard and to build a better, more constructive relationship between government and rural Britain.
Is this Campaign about opposing the government?
No. This is a constructive campaign. We are not against anyone. We are for the countryside: for family farms, rural businesses and the communities and traditions that depend on them. Our message to government is a positive one: work with the countryside, not against it, and the whole country benefits.
Who is the Campaign for?
Everyone. Whether your connection is farming, racing, trail hunting, shooting, fishing or simply a love of rural Britain, these are not separate causes. They are part of one way of life, and this campaign speaks for all of it, whichever party you support.
How can I get involved?
Register your interest on this page and we will keep you updated as 14 September approaches. You can also share the campaign with friends, family and your wider community. If you would like to support our work, you can make a donation too.