The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) has "cautiously welcomed" the appointment of Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister.

The union has urged the new government to "rebuild trust" with farming families by reversing the changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief.

UFU president John McLenaghan congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment following the resignation of Keir Starmer.

"He now has an opportunity to reset the government’s relationship with agriculture, but that must begin with meaningful action.

"At a time when food security must be regarded as national security, the Government should be supporting the farm businesses that produce our food, not introducing policies that jeopardise their future.

"December’s partial U-turn, following intense UFU lobbying alongside the other UK farming unions, was welcome, but it did not go far enough. A full reversal remains absolutely necessary," he said.

Prime minister

The UFU also congratulated John Healey on becoming Chancellor, Angela Eagle on her appointment as DEFRA secretary and Chris Bryant on becoming Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

"Emma Reynolds, as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, will also have an important role in the ongoing Northern Ireland budget negotiations.

"Having met Ms Reynolds at Balmoral Show, we are hopeful that she will champion agriculture in her new brief," McLenaghan said.

The UFU thanked Hilary Benn for his service as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

"He showed a strong willingness to engage with the UFU, listen directly to farmers and understand the pressures facing Northern Ireland agriculture," McLenaghan said.

Farmers

The UFU president added: "Farm businesses need political stability and confidence to invest.

"What they do not need are poorly considered policies, including inheritance tax changes or a land value tax, which could have devastating consequences for family farms.

"The new government must act quickly and reverse the inheritance tax changes in full."