Jeremy Clarkson makes surprise appearance at Tory conference
Jeremy Clarkson made an unexpected appearance at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, where he spoke about conditions for farmers.
He described the year as especially difficult for farming because of hot weather. Clarkson said other projects and income sources had helped him, but ordinary farmers faced challenges beyond the weather.
Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins introduced Clarkson, who received strong applause. He also joked about sparsely occupied seats around the venue.
Clarkson has backed the Conservatives and campaigned against Labour’s proposed inheritance tax changes for farmers. The plan was later scaled back after protests and pressure from Labour MPs representing rural areas.
He also mocked remarks by Labour MP Jenny Riddell-Carpenter about a nostalgic image of rural Britain. The article does not report any further response or next steps.
Key points
- Clarkson said hot weather made the year a disaster for farming.
- He said other income sources helped him, unlike ordinary farmers facing wider pressures.
- He has campaigned against Labour’s inheritance tax plans for farmers, which were later scaled back.