Keir Starmer told the Welsh Labor Party conference that he would defend his budget plans “all day long” as farmers protested outside the venue.
Speaking to the Welsh Labor Conference for the first time since taking office, the Prime Minister praised the “transformational path” between Wales and the Labor government in Westminster.
“Don’t get me wrong, I will defend my budget decisions all day long,” he said. “I am willing to face the harsh light of fiscal reality.
“I will champion the tough decisions needed to stabilize our economy, protect working people’s paychecks, rebuild the foundations of our economy and invest in the future of England and Wales, and finally turn the page.” It's definitely austerity. ”
But angry farmers opposed the inheritance tax changes announced by the Prime Minister and staged a tractor protest outside the meeting.
A convoy of tractors was escorted by police to Simle, the venue in Llandudno where the conference was to be held.
Protest organizer Digong Yu Digong said: Our government isn't working and isn't listening to us.
“This is an opportunity to rub shoulders with farmers and rural communities.
“We call on everyone to come together and participate by walking, driving or bringing agricultural vehicles such as tractors, slurry tankers, trucks and 4x4s with trailers. ”
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Welsh farmer and YouTuber Gareth Wynne Jones told Sky News the government was trying to “destroy” an already struggling industry.
He said farmers planned to deliver a letter to Mr Starmer starting with “Don't bite the hand that feeds you”.
“They are trying to destroy an industry that is already broken and struggling mentally, emotionally and physically,” he said. “We need governments, not further interference, to produce the food that feeds our people. We need your support.”
He also said changes to inheritance tax would result in farmers raising food prices, adding: “The poorer parts of society will not be able to afford good, healthy and nutritious British food. So we will We must promote this to the government,” he added. We want them to understand that “enough is enough, farmers can't take any more of what is being thrown at us.” ”
Meanwhile, Mr Starmer confirmed the creation of a £160m investment zone in Wrexham and Flintshire for 2025.
During a visit to Airbus in north Wales on Friday with First Minister Erned Morgan, Mr Starmer said having a Labor government in both Wales and Westminster would be a “game changer”.
He said Wales and communities across the UK were preparing for an exciting new era in which “Labour Wales and Labor UK” would once again move in the same direction and serve the people of Wales with “the full force of our trade unions”. He said that it has been completed.
It comes as Mrs Morgan, who took over as leader of the Welsh Labor Party in August, touted the “power of partnership” between the two Labor governments working together to deliver for the people of Wales.
The First Minister announced that £22 million would be given to tackle NHS waiting lists in Wales, on top of the £28 million already pledged, but he also said that last month's funding for Wales would be “record-breaking”. “It's a great number,” he said.
