Iran war: Tim Farron challenges Chancellor over lack of support for farmers amid soaring costs

On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron pressed the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, to financially support farmers who are struggling with rising costs due to the war with Iran.

Red diesel, a cheaper fuel available to farmers for use in off-road agricultural vehicles, cost 78p per litre before the war in the Middle East, compared with £1.22 on Monday, according to the price tracking website Boiler Juice.

Last month, the NFU warned food prices were likely to rise because farmers were unable to absorb all of the extra costs they were facing.

Speaking in Parliament, Tim said: “As a result of this war, agricultural inflation is running at 7.6% - more than twice general inflation levels. 

“Red diesel has doubled in price and fertiliser supply is under serious threat.

“Predictably, food prices are likely to rise, causing hardship for millions of people, partly because of Britain’s lack of food security. 

“Is it not time for the Government to U-turn on the Conservative policy that they inherited, which means that England is now the only country in Europe that does not use its farm payments to actively support its farmers to produce food?” 

Responding, Rachel Reeves said: “I thank the honourable gentleman for his representation of the agricultural sector. 

“As he knows, on the two occasions when we have extended the 5p cut in fuel duty, a commensurate benefit has been applied to red diesel, but I recognise the challenges faced, in the current conflict, by the agricultural sector and other sectors that are big users of diesel.

“That is why we are working hard with industry to ensure that the sectors get the support that they need. Crucially, we are also trying to de-escalate the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to improve the availability of diesel and fertiliser.”