NFU

A report by NFU Mutual estimates the cost of rural crime increased to £52.8m in 2023 - up nearly 22% since 2020.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: "With the UK farming sector already under huge strain, with confidence at an all-time low and investment dropping day by day, it cannot deal with another trade deal which sells out domestic food and farming."

Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, said that it was "another shattering blow to English farms".

NFU Deputy President David Exwood said that while beavers could provide certain benefits, "we are concerned about the negative impacts beavers can have on productive farmland, as well as the management requirements, costs and risks involved".

Rural insurer NFU Mutual estimates livestock theft cost £2.7m in 2023, although Mr Abel says he quit reporting his losses to avoid higher premiums.