Andrew RT Davies AM/AC, the Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting that the subsidy for red diesel for agricultural use is retained.
In his letter to Rishi Sunak, Mr Davies wrote:
"Agriculture accounts for about seven percent of the total rebated fuel use in the UK, with significant taxation benefits for the farming industry, and as both a farmer and politician, I cannot stress how important this support is for farmers in Wales and indeed the rest of the United Kingdom.”
Elsewhere in his letter to the Chancellor – sent ahead of the important trade talks with the EU – he wrote that it is “… vitally important that we show the farming industry that we are on their side.”
Commenting later, Mr Davies said:
“The subsidy on red diesel is hugely significant for farmers in Wales and indeed across the rest of the UK.
“As the Prime Minister has rightly outlined, he wants this to be the people’s government and ahead of the trade talks with the EU, it’s vitally important that we show the farming industry that we’re on their side.
“I’m sure the Chancellor shares this view and in his first budget he has the opportunity to put the priorities of those in agriculture at the heart of the Government’s future endeavours by maintaining this crucial support.”