I am extremely concerned and strongly opposed to the Labour Government’s new inheritance tax measures targeting British farmers. This so-called ‘family farm tax’ is a reckless assault on our agricultural sector, dealing a heavy blow to farming families who are already under immense pressure. After facing skyrocketing production costs, inflation, and extreme weather, Britain’s farmers are stretched to the breaking point, and this cap on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) threatens to add an unbearable burden.
This policy shows a disturbing lack of understanding from Labour about the unique challenges of the farming industry and the indispensable role these family-run farms play in our food security, rural economy, and national heritage. Many farms exceed the £1 million APR threshold in asset value solely due to the high cost of land, not because their owners are wealthy. This policy would force farming families to consider breaking up their land—land that has been cultivated by generations—all to pay an unjust tax bill, stripping the next generation of their ability to carry on producing British food.
I have spoken in Parliament on this issue and met with farmers across my constituency who feel betrayed and deeply concerned by this change. They feel—rightly—that this measure is not just financially punitive but fundamentally unfair to those who have dedicated their lives to feeding the nation. Labour’s broken promises on APR and Business Property Relief have already shattered confidence in the future of British farming, and I will continue to fight against this short-sighted policy with every tool at my disposal.
I stand unequivocally with British farmers and call on the Government to urgently overturn this disastrous tax. British farming is not only vital to our economy, food security, and local communities; it is a way of life that must be preserved. The Labour Government must reverse this harmful policy and protect the very backbone of our rural communities.
Sign the petition at: www.stopthefarmtax.com
