Ross Clark Ross Clark

James Dyson isn’t helping farmers

James Dyson owns thousands of acres of farmland across several counties (Getty)

If I were president of the National Farmers’ Union I know what my first task would be today: ring up Sir James Dyson and plead with him to keep his trap shut. It isn’t that Dyson, one of the few living Britons who has set up a manufacturing business of worldwide reputation, isn’t worth listening to on the economy and many other things. But when it comes to protecting the interests of family farms – which is the NFU’s prime interest after last week’s Budget – Dyson is the very last voice you should want to hear publicly supporting your case.

Dyson is the last voice you should want to hear publicly supporting your case

For all I know Dyson may have been harbouring a latent interest in agriculture since he was a lad. He may be as passionate about growing peas as he is about designing vacuum cleaners – more so, even.

Britain’s best politics newsletters

You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.

Already a subscriber? Log in

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in