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"Coupled with rising mental health challenges, the future of family farming in the UK is at a critical juncture"

Defra Secretary Steve Reed said ‘the vast majority of farmers would not be affected at all by the changes', and urged farmers ‘not to believe every alarming claim or headline'

In a debate led by Conservative MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, Aphra Brandreth, she said the cause of stress for farmers, particularly more recently, has been Government policy

"There will be a need for a rapid and concerted effort from the leaders in the rural and farming sectors to hold the Government to account on ensuring that the gulf between urban and rural support does not become even wider"

"Labour have not thought through this policy"

"For generations, farming families have served to grow food for us all. They are a service to their country and they are custodians of the countryside"

"I am totally committed to supporting our farmers"

"I know this is already having a chilling effect on farming and rural businesses"

"Family farms are at the heart of a thriving rural economy, and farming plays a crucial role in delivering on priorities like nature recovery, climate mitigation, and clean water"

"It (farming) is an industry we can do without. We do not need small (family) farmers"