Burnham unveils £65 million drought relief package for UK farmers

Facing pressure from his party and MPs, Andy Burnham announced a £65 million emergency package for farmers grappling with a severe drought across Britain. The bulk of the funding will augment the Sustainable Farming Incentive, increasing its total to £290 million and directing extra resources to the most affected areas. A separate £15 million allocation will support the construction of on-farm reservoirs, though industry leaders warn it will only fund a fraction of the required capacity.

Farmers will also gain greater flexibility to graze or cut land when grass is scarce without losing payments, and water-licence processes will be accelerated. Burnham stressed that domestic food production is a matter of national security as he toured a south-west farm experiencing record-low yields. Officials also announced backing for nine new reservoirs after MPs urged faster development, while Burnham called for broader climate action and clean-energy transition.