Brexit Betrayal Costs Farmers £90 Billion as Political Elites Ignore the Pain

The Grim Reality of Post-Brexit Agriculture

Since the UK’s departure from the EU, British farmers have found themselves ensnared in a brutal economic reality exacerbated by misguided policies and political negligence. Brexit was sold as a path to independence, but the consequences reveal a much darker truth: a shrinking agricultural sector, diminished trade opportunities, and a £90 billion annual loss to the UK economy as reported by researchers.

The False Promises of Sovereignty

Proponents of Brexit promised a new dawn for British agriculture, insisting that leaving the EU would empower farmers and create a utopia of deregulated trade. However, the reality has been a devastating blow to local producers as they now compete against cheaper imports produced under standards that often violate UK regulations. As noted by Matthew Mountain, over 60% of UK agricultural exports previously went to the EU tariff-free, allowing farmers to thrive under a stable regulatory framework. With that stability obliterated, farmers face a regulatory nightmare.

Import Checks and Food Safety Concerns

The scrapping of import checks on fruits and vegetables highlights a troubling trend where the UK government prioritizes political optics over food safety. The newfound "freedom" to import goods from countries with lax standards poses serious risks to consumer safety and undermines the hard work of British farmers who adhere to stringent regulations. This is not just a matter of economics; it’s a public health crisis waiting to happen.

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Political Accountability is Nonexistent

What’s more alarming is the lack of accountability from the political elites who championed Brexit. Many of those who once rallied for a new agricultural landscape are now appearing on platforms like GB News, lamenting the very conditions they helped create. The hypocrisy is striking as they decry unfair trade practices while remaining silent about their roles in dismantling the structures that protected British farmers.

Labour’s Complicity in the Crisis

Labour’s fiscal plans further complicate the situation. The proposed cap on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) is not a bold new initiative but rather an admission of failure, a desperate attempt to raise £500 million annually by 2027—money that will do little to offset the losses incurred from Brexit. As the Office for Budget Responsibility projects a 15% drop in trade and a 4% reduction in productivity due to Brexit, the agricultural sector finds itself at the mercy of callous economic policies crafted by both major parties.

The Human Cost of Policy Failures

The ramifications of these policies extend beyond mere statistics. Farmers are facing isolation as they voice their frustrations, risking their livelihoods for the sake of honesty. The dissonance among farmers who supported Brexit yet now protest its consequences is not only frustrating; it’s fatal for the industry. Farmers need to recognize that defending a fantasy will not bring back the stability they once enjoyed.

Rebuilding Trust in Agriculture

To truly defend British farming, we must confront the truths that have been avoided. The Tories built the foundation of Brexit, and Labour has continued to build on it without any intention of reversal. The silence surrounding this crisis is deafening. As the agricultural sector continues to bleed, the voices of those who produce our food must be amplified, not silenced. This is not just about economics; it’s about the survival of a vital industry and the communities that depend on it.

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