Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is being urged to U-turn and reverse her “devastating” changes which introduced a Family Farm Tax in this week’s Budget.
The Scottish Conservatives have hit out at Labour’s plans to reduce agricultural property relief and business property relief for farmers.
Steve Reed, now Labour’s Defra secretary, told farmers last year that if his party were elected, they had no plans to change agricultural property relief.
The Conservatives have now launched a petition at stopthefarmtax.com calling on people to send Labour a message that it could spell the end for family farms being passed down to future generations.
Party leader Russell Findlay and shadow rural affairs secretary Tim Eagle say the tax will be another “bitter blow” to Scotland’s farmers who are already suffering under the SNP.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay MSP said: “Scottish farmers have suffered long enough under the SNP but now they’re being shafted by Labour too.
“Thousands of farms in Scotland will be affected by Labour’s Family Farm Tax, which will be devastating for hard-working Scots who want to pass on the family business to their children.
“After years of damaging anti-business action from the SNP, Labour’s tax hikes will be another bitter blow to Scotland’s world-class food and drink industry.”
Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for rural affairs Tim Eagle MSP said: “Labour’s Family Farm Tax is a further hammer blow for farmers across Scotland, whose needs have been neglected for years by the SNP.
“These significant changes make it clear Labour are not interested in supporting the sector and that they are completely detached from recognising the deeply damaging impact this will have on farmers.
“Labour should urgently U-turn and ensure that this vital relief is restored. Otherwise, it could spell the end for the family farm.”
Notes:
Steve Reed’s comments from December 2023 are here: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/labour-has-no-intention-of-changing-apr-says-shadow-defra-secretary/
The petition website is here: Stop the family farm tax