MPs have been criticised as they prepare to receive a 2.8 per cent pay rise to £93,904 next year, while British farmers continue to face severe economic hardship.
The increase, confirmed by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), will boost MPs’ salaries by nearly £2,500 annually.
Meanwhile, agricultural experts have criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring statement for offering no support to the farming sector, which is experiencing its worst economic conditions in decades.
Former dairy farmer and agricultural journalist Bruce Jobson expressed his frustration on GB News, stating: “There was nothing in there for farming and nothing for growth.”
Bruce Jobson hit out at the pay increase on GB News
GB NEWS
He added: “It’s alright for the MPs who are getting a £2,500 a year increase in their salaries.”
Jobson painted a bleak picture of the agricultural sector, noting: “We’re on the back of the worst two years of farming this century and unfortunately, the consumer is going to have to pay the price for it.”
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IPSA said the decision to increase MPs’ pay was in line with wider Government pay recommendations for public sector workers.
The parliamentary watchdog is required to review MPs’ salaries within the first year of a new parliament under the Parliamentary Standards Act.
IPSA also confirmed it would hold a further consultation on the determination of MPs’ pay for the rest of the current parliamentary term in the coming months.
In her spring statement to the Commons, Rachel Reeves announced deep cuts to welfare and public services to address a predicted £4.1bn hole in public finances.
Emily Carver spoke to two dairy farmers after the changes were announced
GB NEWS
The Chancellor confirmed that universal credit health elements would be cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants.
Government departments will also face running cost reductions, with day-to-day spending across Government cut by £6.1 billion by 2029-30.
The OBR has also slashed growth forecasts for 2025 from two per cent to just one per cent.
While Reeves emphasised her commitment to long-term infrastructure projects, agricultural support was notably absent from her priorities.
MPs have come under fire for the pay rise
GB NEWS
The Chancellor claimed her measures would turn the predicted deficit into a £9.9bn surplus by the end of the decade.
Jobson highlighted that cattle prices have increased by roughly £400 per head in the last three months, with beef prices “rocketing”.
He warned that farmers are “going to be in a very difficult situation” as they continue to face rising costs without additional government support.
The stark contrast between MPs receiving a pay rise and farmers’ struggles highlights a growing disconnect in economic priorities.
While parliamentarians will see their salaries increase to nearly £94,000, the agricultural sector receives no targeted support despite facing its worst period this century.
As Jobson warned, the consequences will ultimately reach consumers through higher food prices.
The spring statement’s focus on welfare cuts and public service reductions leaves farmers questioning their place in the government’s economic vision.
