The UK’s Horticultural Trades Association comments on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister

Greenhouses at Farplants, West Sussex.

Commenting on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the UK’s Horticultural Trades Association calls for immediate action to support the country’s horticultural businesses.

“We congratulate Rishi Sunak on his appointment as Prime Minister. This is an immensely challenging time for HTA members across the breadth of the UK horticultural sector, who need certainty and stability. From energy bills to consumer confidence – the costs and challenges of doing business are real and have mounted. That is why last month we called for immediate action to support UK horticulture businesses and we look to any forthcoming fiscal statements to provide the stability needed for our sector to grow and invest in jobs. After a dry and costly summer, the outlook into 2023 is difficult and this will be a challenging winter. We hope the importance of ornamental and environmental horticulture will not be underestimated in its ability to deliver the UK’s economic and environmental ambitions. HTA Horticultural businesses need certainty to be able to plan for the year ahead; rising energy bills will substantially add to the cost of doing business and we urge the Government to fully consider this impact when determining the support packages available after April.”