1 August 2022

Below is an RSN review of last week's rural related politics as well as a look forward to the week ahead:

Last week in politics (25 July - 31 July)

• The Conservative leadership contest has continued with a series of televised debated between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
• On Tuesday 26th July, DEFRA announced £100m worth of funding for committees affected by flooding; the new Chancellor Nadim Zahawi visited the new Darlington Economic Campus, a flagship part of the Government’s attempt to level up across the country; and the Environment Agency convened the National Drought Group, as dry weather impacts continue to affect the UK.
• On Wednesday 27th July, the Government published its review into automation in horticulture. The review explored how the sector could make use of innovative technologies such as packhouse automation, AI enabled robotics and autonomous guided vehicles to help with tasks like the picking, packing and transporting of fruit, vegetables and flowers.
• On Thursday 28th July, the Government revealed  a £150 council tax rebate to 15 million households, with 80% of eligible households handed the payment to help with the cost of living crisis.

This week in politics (1 August - 7 August)

Parliament is on recess until Monday 5th September.