FREE EVENT: How can the Conservatives grow the rural economy?

Selaine Saxby and Julian Sturdy join a ConservativeHome Live discussion on how to develop the Rural Powerhouse.

Profile: George Eustice, negotiating agriculture’s future between farmers, free traders, protectionists and rewilders

The Environment Secretary, in charge of the seven-year transition from the Common Agricultural Policy, prefers to do good by stealth.

John Redwood: My critique of the Chancellor’s Mais Lecture, and what the Government should do next

Our troubles will be compounded by Ministers’ import promotion policies, most pronounced in the Business, Energy and Agriculture departments.

Kathleen Henehan: If fewer workers migrate to Britain, our own will need greater mobility

Building up economic resilience will be necessary for a successful response to Brexit, Covid recovery and the transition to Net Zero.

Greg Smith: The Animal Welfare Bill is in danger of becoming a Trojan Horse for an extreme agenda

The Government must recognise the long-term risks legislation such as this could have and how it could be weaponised by Labour.

Mark Tufnell: Voters will punish the Government for the rural blind spot in its Levelling Up plan

It’s a noble ambition, but to date it has not taken proper account of the challenges facing the countryside. Time to go back to the drawing board.

Ruth Edwards: Our new post-Brexit countryside policy puts farmers in charge

New schemes will deliver on many fronts: income opportunities for farmers, a more resilient food system, and a healthy natural environment for us all.

Henry Smith: The Animal Welfare Bill needs protections for laying hens, which are often subjected to significant suffering

Speed of human handling can result in severe bruising, bone fractures and dislocations as they are caught and loaded onto transport.

Mark Tufnell: Farming has to be at the forefront of Britain’s fight against climate change

The Government must ensure that domestic regulation and international trade agreements help the sector go green.

John Redwood: We’re free of EU membership and can motor to our own destiny. But still drive nervously in L-plates. Why?

There should be a growth target to complement the inflation target – to drive government departments to take actions that will promote more UK activity and jobs.

Ryan Bourne: Cut immigration to raise wages? If only it were all so simple.

Pay is a business cost and, in reaction, profit-seeking firms will raise prices, cut worker benefits, slash services, or leave the sector if profits are squeezed.

Eamonn Ives: Markets, price signals, and supply-side reforms can hasten decarbonisation. Ministers take note.

Extending carbon pricing would serve as a constant pressure on emissions. But it won’t be enough on its own.

Neil Hudson: To level up rural areas, we must rewild them

While we know it delivers good outcomes for biodiversity, the benefits for farmers, communities and the local economy have been less well-documented.

Rob Mutimer: Ministers must back British farmers over trade with China

If nothing is done, we fear the pig industry is heading towards collapse, which would affect tens of thousands of jobs.

Bim Afolami: Five books to read over the summer recess

Reading and reflection really helps me get a perspective on what is going on, whether in my own constituency or in the country more broadly.