Countryside Alliance Rural Charter 2024

The Countryside Alliance is known for championing the countryside and defending the rural way of life, from food and farming, local businesses and services, to the injustices of poor mobile phone signal and broadband in the countryside. We represent the interests of those who live and work in the countryside and enjoy it.

Our Rural Charter, published during the election campaign, provides input on what we believe the new government should be prioritising: tackling rural crime; championing farmers and producers; recognising the role of wildlife management and the value of trail hunting, shooting and fishing; and delivering a connected countryside. We we will be working hard to ensure the government works with and for the countryside, delivering your priorities. 

While the countryside offers many a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, it is also a home and place of work for millions of people. It faces its own set of unique and often complex challenges and, sadly, there is a feeling amongst many in rural communities that within the corridors of Whitehall, the countryside is all too often forgotten or at best considered only as an afterthought.

Since our formation 27 years ago, the Countryside Alliance has been at the forefront of ensuring the rural voice is heard. In our frequent discussions with politicians from across all parties, we have made the case that the 2024 General Election will be won or lost in rural constituencies. Political parties have a real opportunity to show that they care, and to understand that for the UK to succeed the countryside must prosper.

The first major hurdle for all parties is whether their policies align with rural people's priorities, or whether they simply revert to policies that are more about doing things to the countryside than doing things for it.

Our Rural Charter provides input on what we believe all political parties should be prioritising: tackling rural crime; championing farmers and producers; recognising the role of wildlife management and the value of trail hunting, shooting and fishing; and delivering a connected countryside.

The countryside can, and will, play its part in making the UK a prosperous country, but policymakers must demonstrate they understand and respect the rural way of life and commit to tackling the issues facing our communities with genuine focus and commitment.

Read our Rural Charter

Download now