The changes announced by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves to agricultural property relief and business property relief will deliver a devastating blow to family farms in Galloway and West Dumfries.
The Conservatives have now launched a petition at stopthefarmtax.com urging Labour to U-turn and today I am calling on everyone to sign it to send Labour the strongest possible message.
Labour has shamefully broken their promise to farmers after now DEFRA secretary Steve Reed said last year that his party had no plans to change agricultural property relief.
The changes sum up how Labour are “completely disconnected” from the real challenges facing farmers and those living in rural areas like my constituency.
Labour have shown that they are not interested in standing up for farmers interests and have threatened future food production if family farms are unable to be passed onto future generations.
It is clear that Labour’s family farm tax will be devastating for family farms across the whole of Scotland.
The changes introduced by the Chancellor show how disconnected Labour are from the sector and the needs of farmers who are already facing major challenges.
Last year Labour said they were not planning any changes to agricultural property relief. Now they have shamefully broken their promise made to farmers.
That is why the Conservatives have launched a petition urging Labour to U-turn. I encourage everyone to sign it to send Labour the strongest possible message.
I will continue to stand up for farmers and force Labour into reversing this awful decision, which could spell the end for family farms.
