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Why Boris Johnson and MPs are wearing a wheat sheaf badge on their lapel: The campaign to support British farmers explained

MPs wore sheafs of wheat in the Commons as a show of support for Back British Farming Day

Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer once again went head-to-head at PMQs on Wednesday afternoon, debating the Government’s coronavirus response.

Both party leaders could strangely be seen wearing a sheaf of wheat on the lapels of their jackets as they went at it.

The gesture was not a subtle tribute to former Prime Minister Theresa May, but a show of support for British farming.

Why are MPs wearing sheafs of wheat?

Wednesday 9 September is Back British Farming Day.

The day, which is organised by the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU), aims to celebrate British farming values and highlight its importance to the UK economy.

The NFU is asking MPs to show their support for farming by wearing a wool and wheat sheaf pin badge or a sheaf of wheat in the House of Commons today.

Labour leader Keir Starmer speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. PA Photo. Picture date: Wednesday September 9, 2020. See PA story POLITICS PMQs Starmer. Photo credit should read: House of Commons/PA Wire
Keir Starmer also wore a wheat sheaf during the debate (Photo: PA)

“This autumn will be a critical time for British food and farming as the Agriculture Bill returns to the House of Commons to be passed into law and trade negotiations continue with countries across the world,” the NFU said.

“There has never been a more important time to highlight the crucial role farmers play in feeding the nation and caring for the countryside.”

Priti Patel visits Essex farm

Home Secretary Priti Patel visited a farm in Essex last week to show support for Back British Farming Day.

She met local farmers at Dagnetts Farm in Black Notley on Friday.

“Our farmers in Essex and across the country have worked incredibly hard during the pandemic to keep providing the food our country needs and events like these remind us all of how important farmers are to our everyday lives,” she said.

“As the country starts to recover from the pandemic, I was pleased to catch up with some of our county’s farmers about the hard work they have been doing.

“With the EU transition period and our involvement in the disastrous Common Agricultural Policy finishing at the end of the year, we have a new opportunity to transform our food production and I was delighted to discuss the future of farming with local farmers and the NFU.”

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