51AVÊÓÆµ

PM 'reneges' on commitment to protect tenant farmers from solar takeovers, TFA warns

At the now infamous NFU Conference in 2023, Sir Keir Starmer said solar energy infrastructure should not come at the expense of tenant farmers and food production. But TFA chief executive George Dunn said a recent outcome for tenants in North Yorkshire would suggest otherwise

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."
Image:

Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has failed to honour a commitment to the agricultural sector prior to the General Election that solar energy schemes would not come at the expense of tenant farm businesses,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

'Facts are being ignored' - Countryside in uproar over plans to ban trail hunting

'Facts are being ignored' - Countryside in uproar over plans to ban trail hunting

Before Christmas, the Government announced plans to ban trail hunting as part of its new Animal Welfare Strategy. However, the Countryside Alliance said it will not give up the fight to save the activity which is deep-rooted in tradition and vital to the rural economy

Chris Brayford
clock 10 January 2026 • 7 min read
Government does not recognise farming's contribution, farmers say

Government does not recognise farming's contribution, farmers say

A Farmers Guardian survey has shown almost all farmers do not feel appreciated by the Government

clock 10 January 2026 • 2 min read
EU gives Mercosur deal the green light

EU gives Mercosur deal the green light

European Union states have backed the deal, despite opposition from France

Alex Black
clock 09 January 2026 • 2 min read