Fury as Britain sends £536million a year to support FOREIGN farmers in ‘slap in face’ to UK agriculture
SIR Keir Starmer sparked fury yesterday as it emerged Britain splurges millions of pounds supporting foreign farms.
More than £536m of the UK’s international aid budget is spent on agriculture in Africa, Asia and South America.
One scheme, worth more than £16m, helps new farmers in Rwanda make tea, the Express revealed.
But the PM has still refused to back down on Labour’s hated agricultural inheritance tax raid, which industry experts say will wipe out the British family farm.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick blasted Sir Keir for putting foreign workers before local food-producers.
He said: “That will feel like a slap in the face for many British farmers.
“It’s not too late for Starmer to listen, admit he’s made a big mistake, and actually keep a promise he made at the election.”
Tory MP Greg Smith added: “It is beyond belief they try to claim to be on the side of British farmers, whilst simultaneously introducing the cruel Family Farm Tax, bumping up the cost of fertiliser and now directly funding foreign farmers.”
On Friday Sir Keir insisted the government is “for farmers” – but added he understands “concerns” around the inheritance tax hike.
The PM told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: “There aren’t many farms year on year that are sold in excess of the £3m threshold, and therefore that threshold is high.
“The vast majority of farmers won’t be affected.”