On Tuesday, the 17th of December, the Conservative Party presented a 215,465-signature strong petition to the Government, demanding an end to Labour’s Family Farm Tax . A vindictive and cruel policy that will devastate farmers and threaten Britain’s food security.
The petition, which was co-launched by James Wright, an Exmoor Farmer and Southwest Chair of the Conservative Rural Forum, refers to Labour’s plan to abolish Inheritance Tax Relief on agricultural land. This relief is a vital mechanism that allows family farms, which generally operate on small margins, to be passed down through generations without crippling inheritance tax bills. By removing this relief, Labour’s policy would force many farms to sell land, split up businesses, and lay off workers just to cover enormous tax demands. This will hit small, family-run farms the hardest, leading to fewer British farms and greater reliance on imported food.
On the day of the petition delivery James Wright said:
“Labour betrayed farmers at their first Budget, and now they refuse to face the damage their policies are causing. Labour MPs failed to vote with the Conservatives to scrap this cruel Family Farm Tax, but every day this vindictive policy unravels further.”
“As Kemi Badenoch laid out yesterday at the Business Property Relief Summit, the latest analysis is clear: Labour’s Family Farm Tax will cost more than it raises and lead to over 125,000 job losses. Rachel Reeves and City Steve Reed are willingly destroying farming and family businesses at a net cost to the taxpayer.”
“Three quarters of farms will be hit by Labour’s Family Farm Tax, forcing farms to be split up and sold off. This reckless policy puts Britain’s food security at risk. Labour must get a grip and face the reality of their appalling choices.”
The petition was presented to the Treasury by Victoria Atkins, the Shadow DEFRA Secretary. The petition remains open, and those who want to add their voice can do so at www.stopthefarmtax.com.
