CLA East political engagement
An update on recent regional meetings with MPs
The CLA regularly meets with politicians from all parties through our external affairs team in London, and the regional team meeting in the MPs’ constituency, and there has been a flurry of local engagement in recent weeks.
Over the last year we have met with politicians from across our region and we would encourage you to contact us if you have an MP that you would benefit from a CLA briefing.
Ahead of the Christmas break, regional director Cath Crowther joined CLA members for an online discussion with South Norfolk Labour MP, Ben Goldsborough. Ahead of the government announcing changes to its inheritance tax (IHT) proposals, discussions with Ben focused on both the financial and emotional cost the changes would have.
Early in the New Year, Elveden Estate Managing Director, Andrew Blenkiron kindly hosted the CLA as we met with Conservative MP Nick Timothy. Nick joined Andrew and Cath Crowther on a short tour of the estate before meeting a small group of members to discuss a range of farming and rural business matters.
These included what the redesign of the Sustainable Farming Incentive should include, water management, gene editing, inheritance tax, and planning issues that are holding back the rural economy.
A meeting with North East Hertfordshire Labour MP Chris Hinchliff followed this, hosted on a farm by a CLA member. Chris heard from several attendees about their concerns for rural businesses and where the focus should be if ministers want to boost economic growth.
Speaking about the CLA’s political engagement, Cath said: “The last year has shown the importance of our political engagement and lobbying work in standing up for the views of our membership. It is crucial that rural businesses get their voices heard within government.
“Our discussions with MPs have been varied and covered everything from inheritance tax and planning issues to water management and rural crime.
“Whilst we welcome the announcement on IHT before Christmas, many family businesses will still be impacted and we continue to lobby for full reversal of the proposed changes to IHT.
“If you are a CLA member and would be happy to host an MP visit at your business then please let us know. The best way to highlight some of the issues faced by our membership is to show politicians first-hand, with boots on the ground.”