The plight of local farmers will be highlighted by local MP Robbie Moore in a major rally against Labour’s Family Farm Tax plans tomorrow (Tuesday, 19th).
Mr Moore met with local farmers over the weekend to discuss the controversial government proposals, which he argues pose a risk to domestic food security and food prices.
Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Environment Secretary Steve Reed previously no changes to agricultural property relief, under Government proposals, more than 100,000 farms across the country will be hit by new inheritance tax laws.
According to the National Farmers Union, Asset-rich but cash-poor farms will have little to no scope to pay inheritance tax bills from farm income, meaning a sale of land and machinery would have to be made to cover the bill.
Government statistics show 17 per cent of UK farms failed to make a profit in 2022/23, while 59 per cent made a profit of less than £50,000.
A petition at stopthefarmtax.com has been set up for people to back British farming and oppose the new tax, while farmers will gather in Westminster on Tuesday in opposition to Labour’s plans.
Speaking after the visit, Robbie Moore MP said:
“It was great to meet again with farmers from across the constituency to hear their concerns regarding the impact Labour’s budget will have on their farming business. All of them are multi-generational family farming businesses, with sons, daughters and grandchildren who are keen to stay in farming. All of them have worked hard all their lives to put good quality food on our plates.
And quite rightly, all of them are deeply worried that Labour’s Family Farm Tax and the other tax increases Labour are bringing forward will not only end family farming but also severely impact the viability of British food production, negatively impacting food security and resulting in food price increases.
My promise to all of you is to work tirelessly to stop Labour’s assault on our farmers, our rural economy and our food security. And I would urge people to sign our petition at stopthefarmtax.com.
A huge thanks to Rob and Helen Goulding for hosting me this afternoon and thank you to all who came along."
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