Yeovil MP Adam Dance warns Government risks ‘decimating’ rural communities ahead of Spending Review

Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, Adam Dance, has today issued a strong warning to the Government ahead of the upcoming Spending Review, urging Ministers to rule out reported plans to cut the nature-friendly farming budget.

With farming playing a central role in South Somerset’s economy and heritage, any reduction in funding would be deeply damaging to local farmers and the wider rural community.

Farmers in Yeovil and across the UK are already facing immense pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis, the effects of poorly negotiated trade deals, and years of underinvestment. Many are working for less than the minimum wage, while continuing to maintain the countryside and produce food to high environmental and welfare standards.

Reports that the Government may now cut funding that supports sustainable agriculture have caused serious concern across the sector.

Adam Dance MP said:

“Farming is at the heart of South Somerset’s way of life. Our farmers work tirelessly—often for very little reward—to care for our countryside and feed our communities.

“Cutting the nature-friendly farming budget would be an unforgivable betrayal of those efforts. It would not only threaten the future of domestic food production, but also undermine efforts to protect and restore our natural environment.

“The Government’s failure to understand rural communities is clear—and if Ministers press ahead with these cuts, the impact on farming, food security, and rural livelihoods could be devastating.

“I am calling on the Chancellor to rule out any cuts to this essential funding. Our rural communities must not be forgotten, and I will continue to fight for farmers in Yeovil and across the country.”

The Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to use the Spending Review to support, not punish, rural communities—by maintaining critical investment in farming and nature restoration.