Many people tuning in to watch Rishi Sunak’s second outing at Prime Minister Questions on Wednesday will have been left scratching their heads at the wheatsheaf badge MPs were wearing.
While many politicians are already wearing the familiar poppy badge in honour of the upcoming Remembrance Day on Friday, 11 November, several members from both sides of the Commons donned the less recognisable wheatsheaf for the latest PMQs and there’s a very specific reason why.
As confirmed by the National Farmers’ Union online, wheatsheaves are being worn to mark ‘Back British Farming Day‘, an initiative that is exactly what it says on the tin.
Those pinning actual wheatsheaves to their chests in Parliament did so to show support for the seventh year of the now annual campaign, which aims to remind people of the importance of British food and national farming standards.
The farming industry contributes over £120 billion to the UK economy each year, making up over 0.5% of the nation’s GDP and employing over four million people even in the modern technological era.
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While the likes of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his shadow deputy Angela Rayner were both seen wearing variations of the wheatsheaf pin badge – typically wrapped in wool at the base – fledgling Prime Minister Rishi Sunak chose not to wear the agricultural symbol.
Safe to say, many were left disappointed by his decision to forego the wheatsheaf and, in turn, his apparent lack of support for the Back British Farming campaign.
Given how the UK government continued to go toe-to-toe with various trade unions this year, it might be a surprise to some how many Conservative Party members did choose to wear the badge.
Sunak also came under fire today after yet another U-turn, deciding to attend COP27 after all despite saying the economy meant he was “too busy” to participate in this year’s climate conference.
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Danny Jones -
2nd November 2022 
