NFU Opinion: Labour MPs show opposition to family farm tax in vote
Labour MPs abstained on a vote on a resolution related to the inheritance tax changes on family farms in Derbyshire and beyond.
More than 30 Labour MPs from across the country made their thoughts known in Westminster, showing the true strength of feeling against this policy.
The NFU has thanked all those MPs who voted against the family farm tax on Tuesday night including Labour MPs who abstained.
Labour MPs from the county who abstained included Jonathan Davies, Mid Derbyshire; John Whitby, Derbyshire Dales and Samantha Niblett, South Derbyshire.
The vote was on Resolution 50 of the Finance Bill – this specifically relates to the inheritance tax proposal and while the vote was not binding abstentions demonstrated those MPs' strength of feeling.
MP Samantha Niblett told MPs ahead of the vote: "I do plead with the government to look again at APR inheritance tax.
"Most farmers are not wealthy land barons, they live hand to mouth on tiny, sometimes non-existent profit margins. Many were explicitly advised not to hand over their farm to children, (but) now face enormous, unexpected tax bills.
"We must acknowledge a difficult truth: we have lost the trust of our farmers, and they deserve our utmost respect, our honesty and our unwavering support."
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “I’d like to thank all the Labour MPs who have stood up to show that they cannot support this pernicious policy.
“These MPs are the rural representatives of the Labour Party. They represent the working people of the countryside and have spoken up on behalf of their constituents. It is vital that the Chancellor and Prime Minister listen to the clear message they have delivered.
“I’d also like to thank the farmers and growers who took the time to engage with their MPs to get the message out there.
“The next step in the fight against the family farm tax is removing the elderly and terminally ill from the eye of the storm of this unjust and unfair policy.”
A full breakdown of votes can be shown by going to Budget Resolution No. 50: Inheritance tax (limiting agricultural and business property reliefs etc) online.
For more on the policy and why it is of such a concern to faring and rural communities go to www.nfuonline.com on the web.