PMQs: Why are MPs wearing wheat in Westminster today?

Many members of parliament across the government and opposition benches were wearing wheat and the reason is due to a campaign to support farmers.

Why are Keir Starmer and other MPs wearing wheat?

Back British Farming Day is being held today (November 2) and is an initiative driven by the National Farmers Union (NFU).

Now in its seventh year, the day looks to highlight the work of British farmers and is this year also calling on the Tory government to support the sector as a cost-of-living crisis, labour problems and supply-chain issues impact the industry.

NFU Scotland has been critical of the UK Government signing up to post-Brexit trade deals with countries like Australia and New Zealand that undermine the high welfare standards of Scottish livestock farmers.

READ MORE: Farmer donates £3 million blueberry crop to charity as SNP MP blames Brexit

While the NFU calls on MPs and the public to back farmers all year round, on the annual dedicated day they urge supporters to take the opportunity "to celebrate all the great things about our industry".

Over the years, some of the UK's most senior politicians - including former prime ministers - have donned the wheat to show their support.

However today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not have the pin on in a show of support for the sector. Keir Starmer, the Leader of the Opposition, did.

Keir Starmer wears wheat on his lapel to show support for farmers (Image: House of Commons)

What happens on Back British Farming Day?

This year, Back British Farming Day centres around the winners of the NFU’s Community Farming Heroes award, who are nominated by MPs, and given to farmers and growers for outstanding contributions to their local community and beyond.

NFU president Minette Batters said she is "immensely proud" of the farmers awarded as part of the new scheme.

“As producers of the nation’s food – with world leading standards of animal welfare, as custodians of our working environment, and as an employer of 301,000 people – British farmers across the country will be celebrating Back British Farming Day," she said.

“This year’s event comes at an extremely important time for British farming, and for the country. As the nation faces continued economic challenges, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immediate priority will be to establish economic stability for the whole country. This includes for our farmers and growers who, like many households, continue to face significant challenges, including rising energy costs."

Rishi Sunak did not wear the wheat on his lapel (Image: House of Commons)

Batters hopes to work with the Government to find solutions to the issues affecting farmers, including the cost-of-living crisis, energy, food security and climate change.

“We are ambitious to deliver for the nation on all fronts, but that ambition must be matched by government and backed up by policy. For the country, and its farmers, honesty and certainty about the future will be absolutely vital," she said.

“A government that backs British farming will be backing the development and growth in all of these key areas, so we ask all MPs to wear their wheatsheaf pin badge with pride to show their support for Back British Farming Day.”