One in four British postcodes is rural. So if our leaders want to deliver good growth in every postcode and speak for all parts of the country they have to hear the countryside.
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. 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 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
The countryside is coming to Westminster. Rural Britain deserves a place at the heart of government. We feed the nation, power the economy and bring hope to millions. If ministers want to speak for ALL parts of the country, you have to HEAR the countryside too.
Join the campaign for the countryside.
I'm interested in Farming
Showing 7 facts about Farming
- £300bn+
contributed to the UK economy every year by the rural economy
- 4m+
jobs supported by the countryside across Britain
- 1 in 4
UK postcodes are rural
- 100%
the inheritance tax relief on farms, scrapped in the first Budget
- £2.5m
the inheritance tax threshold farmers had to fight for, up from the £1m first proposed
- £2.4bn
core agricultural funding for England, frozen while costs keep rising
- £100,000
the cap per agreement under the new SFI26 environmental scheme
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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 new start. The countryside contributes over £300 billion to the economy and supports more than 4 million jobs, and 1 in 4 UK postcodes is rural. If the government wants growth in every postcode, that growth has to include the countryside. This is the moment to build that partnership.
Is this a protest?
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, 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.