Andy Burnham Reaches Out to Farmers in Bid to 'Build Back Trust' After Tax Row

Andy Burnham has been reaching out to farming activists in an attempt to rebuild relations with the rural community, after ties were strained by tax changes introduced under Keir Starmer's government, according to The Guardian.

Ministers have reportedly been in contact with farming activists as part of a broader effort to repair trust that soured following the tax changes.

Among those contacted is arable farmer Olly Harrison, whose messaging is normally focused on the everyday practicalities of farm work such as logistics and supplies. A recent message from Burnham was, by his own account, unexpected.

The outreach signals an attempt by senior political figures to address discontent within the farming community, as the government looks to smooth over tensions that emerged in the wake of its tax policy changes.