Conservatives looking to overturn Labour's 'vindictive Family Farm Tax'

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 07:00

By Adam Clark

James Daly (centre) pictured with Gemma and Ben Taylor of Castle Hill Farm, Bury

Former Tory MP, James Daly has joined calls from his parliamentary party to overturn Labour's 'family farm tax.'

Mr Daly says Labour’s political choice to target farmers is a cruel blow to the industry and will affect workers and consumers across the country.

Today, the Conservatives will force a vote and ask Labour MPs whether they will take the chance to back British farmers.

An Opposition Day Debate will discuss the 'Family Farm Tax' and give all MPs, the chance to say no to the Government’s new plans.

The motion is set to be introduced to halt plans that would revoke full agricultural property relief (APR) for farms valued at over £1 million, potentially imposing steep taxes on rural families' land.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is bracing for growing unrest within his party, with up to 60 Labour MPs expected to abstain and 114 rural representatives under significant pressure from their constituents.

The proposed changes to the tax system are already sparking outrage among farmers and rural communities, who warn that the measures could threaten the viability of family farms and jeopardize the nation’s food security.

The government say it's committed to supporting farmers and rural communities, including helping families to pass their land on to the next generation.

Daly said: “Despite tens of thousands of farmers descending on Westminster and hundreds of thousands signing a petition against the Family Farm Tax, Labour are intent on continuing this vindictive tax.

“But on Wednesday, all MPs including Labour MPs, have the chance to reject Keir Starmer’s plans and help protect hundreds of thousands of farmers, their families and communities.

“I know people here will be looking towards Labour MPs to see how they vote and I am urging them to reject this tax.

“I am sure people here and across the country will never forgive them if they destroy to farming industry as this tax will ultimately do,” he added.

Mr Daly met with local farming families earlier this week, to discuss how the new tax changes will impact farming.

Gemma and Ben Taylor of Castle Hill Farm in Birtle said “Farming was barely sustainable. With Labour’s tax changes it’s making it nearly impossible to pass the family farms down through the generations, as was always intended. Without farms, there's limited food production in the UK."

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