SOME MPs have been seen wearing a wheat sheaf during PMQs.
The symbolic gesture is in support of Back British Farming Day, but what does it mean?
PAPoliticians wearing a wheat sheaf are backing the British farming industry[/caption]
Why do MPs wear a wheat sheaf?
MPS wear a wheat sheaf to support Back British Farming Day.
In 2024, the event fell on September 11, but the date is different each year.
Back British Farming Day aims to support the British farming sector and consider it in future government trade deals.
This event is organised by the National Farmers’ Union for England and Wales and many politicians make sure to form part of it too.
What is Back British Farming Day?
The initiative, which is an annual event, comes from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), and is designed to improve awareness for local farming.
Explaining the meaning behind the day, the NFU tweeted: “Today is #BackBritishFarmingDay, a chance to celebrate all the hard work British farmers do to keep the nation fed.
“Follow @NFUTweets throughout the day as they share the best of British farming.
“It’s #PMQs now in the House of Commons and you may be seeing a lot of MPs wearing these badges and wondering what they mean.
“We’ve invited all MPs to show their support for British farming on #BackBritishFarmingDay by wearing a wool and wheatsheaf pin badge.”
The day celebrates British farming values and highlights its importance to the UK economy.
It reminds politicians that British food and farming contributes more than £120 billion to the UK economy each year and employs four million people.
What MPs have been seen wearing a wheat sheaf?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has continued to show his support for the cause but wasn’t wearing a wheat sheaf despite doing so in previous years.
He tweeted: “British farmers contribute immensely to our economy, countryside and food.
“My government will boost rural economic growth and strengthen our food security, to restore stability in this vital sector.
“I am proud to #BackBritishFarming”
Dr Liam Fox, MP for North Somerset has also proudly wore his wheat to his tie in the past.
Helen Whately MP, the Shadow Transport Secretary was seen wearing her wheat sheaf as she appeared on Politics Live.
In 2024, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opted not to wear a sheaf once again – the same as 2022 and 2023.
Can the royal family vote and get involved with political matters?
IT may surprise you that all royals are able to vote but choose not to.
The Royal Family are expected to be above politics and as such voluntarily refrain from casting votes.
Everyone in the line of succession needs to remain politically neutral.
The King remaining neutral is beneficial to MPs because, no matter which political party holds the majority in parliament, it is considered His Majesty’s government.
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