BRITISH WOOL recently reported that fleece value is at its highest for 10 years. With the shearing season underway for 2026, Heiniger’s Hefin Rowlands suggests that there has never been a better opportunity for farms to realise the best price for wool.

“The average payment increased to 68p per kilo last year, which was up from just 40p. Higher grade wools from breeds such as Cheviots are returning 85p per kilo. This makes the preparation for shearing and the shearing process all the more important,” he says.

Mr Rowlands points to the need for preparation to make the process better for shearers and sheep.

“Fasting, dagging and separating ewes from lambs will help, whether a farm is bringing in professional shearers or not. Straw, dirt and dung in fleeces seriously detracts from wool value, so both sheep and the area being used to shear should be as clean as possible,” he says.

He suggests that using the best quality equipment will also play a big part in how efficient the shearing process is.

“Factory sharp blades and the correct clothing are essential to any shearer. Heiniger has been manufacturing world-leading shears since 1946, so we know how important the right shears are to getting the best cut.  But even the best shears need to have clean, sharp combs and cutters, which is why we offer free postage for servicing our equipment,” he says.

British Wool suggests that returns for the 2026 cut could rise by a further 25p-30p per kilo, meaning some wool will realise prices in excess of £1 per kilo.

“There is strong demand and it pays to meet this with the best quality wool. Investing in equipment and a good set of shears has never been more important for farms looking to take advantage of rising wool prices. However, nothing beats experience and this is where professional shearers can help make all the difference,” he says.

Above all, Mr Rowlands advocates that farms give shearing the attention it deserves, especially in a year when returns are projected to be high.

“Spending on the right equipment, preparing sheep well and working carefully to produce a clean fleece will pay dividends. The average fleece weight is around 4 kilos which means a flock of 250 ewes could return upwards of £1000 this year, and that makes investing time and effort in shearing a worthy choice to maximise returns,” he concludes.

Reform UK leader denies wrongdoing as parliamentary watchdog examines undeclared payment

NIGEL FARAGE is facing a parliamentary standards investigation over a £5 million gift from a major Reform UK donor.

The Reform UK leader, who has been MP for Clacton since July 2024, was referred to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg after reports emerged that he had received a previously undeclared payment from Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne in 2024.

The investigation is understood to relate to the rules requiring MPs to register relevant financial interests, including certain benefits received in the 12 months before entering Parliament.

Mr Farage has strongly denied wrongdoing and has said the money was a personal, unconditional gift connected to his safety and security, not his political activity.

A Reform UK spokesman said: “Mr Farage’s office is in communication with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

“He has always been clear that this was a personal, unconditional gift and no rules were broken.

“We look forward to this being put to bed once and for all.”

Mr Harborne has previously been identified as a significant donor to Reform UK. Reports say the £5 million payment was made before Mr Farage announced he would stand in Clacton at the 2024 general election.

The opening of an investigation does not mean Mr Farage has been found to have breached parliamentary rules.

However, the case is politically sensitive because of the size of the payment and because of Mr Farage’s prominent role as leader of Reform UK.

If the commissioner ultimately finds there has been a breach, the matter could be dealt with by correction in less serious cases, or referred to the Commons Standards Committee in more serious circumstances.

In the most serious cases, MPs can face suspension from the House of Commons. A suspension of ten sitting days or more can trigger a recall petition, potentially leading to a by-election if enough constituents sign it.

Mr Farage has previously been subject to a standards rectification process over late declarations of financial interests. The latest inquiry comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over political donations and party funding, with Reform UK under growing attention as it seeks to build on recent electoral gains.

Mr Farage remains entitled to the presumption that no breach has occurred unless and until the parliamentary standards process reaches a conclusion.

Ministers accused of paving the way for closer EU alignment without full Commons scrutiny

THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled plans which critics claim could quietly reverse key parts of Brexit by allowing EU rules to be adopted into British law without a full parliamentary vote.

The controversial proposal was included in King Charles III’s speech to Parliament on Wednesday (May 13), through legislation titled the European Partnership Bill.

The Bill is designed to create a legal framework allowing future agreements between the UK and the European Union to be implemented more quickly — including planned deals on food standards, energy emissions and youth mobility.

Government officials argue the legislation is needed to support economic growth and strengthen ties with Europe after years of strained post-Brexit relations.

However, Brexit supporters and several commentators have warned the powers could allow ministers to sidestep meaningful scrutiny by MPs when adopting future EU-aligned regulations.

The move comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signals a major shift in Britain’s relationship with Brussels following Labour’s difficult local election results last week.

Speaking earlier this week, Starmer said he wanted Britain back “at the heart” of Europe and described upcoming UK-EU agreements as a “big leap forward.”

Food, youth mobility and emissions deals planned

Negotiators are expected to meet in Brussels this summer for the second annual UK-EU summit, where both sides hope to agree new co-operation arrangements.

Among the proposed deals are:

• A new veterinary and food standards agreement designed to reduce border checks and ease imports and exports

• A closer emissions trading arrangement with the EU

• A youth mobility scheme allowing young Britons to live and work more easily across Europe

The Government claims the food agreement alone could boost the UK economy by £5.1 billion, with wider agreements potentially worth up to £9 billion overall.

Business groups including the British Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the proposals, arguing they could reduce costs for firms and consumers.

William Bain, the BCC’s head of trade policy, said quicker and simpler trade with Europe was essential for economic growth and lowering household prices.

Brexit fears reignited

Critics say the legislation could represent the clearest sign yet that Labour intends to gradually realign Britain with EU structures.

During questions from journalists this week, Starmer declined to rule out future membership of either the EU single market or customs union appearing in a future Labour manifesto — both previously ruled out under earlier Labour leadership.

That has fuelled speculation that Britain could move steadily closer to the EU over the coming years, despite Brexit remaining one of the most divisive political issues in modern British history.

The proposed youth mobility scheme has also drawn criticism from some immigration hardliners, who argue it could become a backdoor route to restoring freedom of movement.

The Government insists the plans are about practical co-operation rather than reversing Brexit itself.

But with ministers now seeking powers to rapidly introduce EU-linked regulations into domestic law, opponents say the political battle over Brexit may be far from over.