Only one Labour MP stood up for farmers during a vote in the House of Commons last night (2 December) and it was not Pembrokeshire’s.
Resolution 50 of the Finance Bill was brought forward for a vote by the Speaker. The resolution deals with the United Kingdom Government’s proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), including reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which have been widely described as the family farm tax.
Despite taking part in other votes that evening, Pembrokeshire’s Labour MP failed to register a vote either for or against the family farm tax. This contrasts with Labour MP Markus Campbell Savours, representing Penrith and Solway, who stood with local farmers and voted against the proposed changes.
Shadow Rural Affairs Minister Samuel Kurtz said:
“This was a clear opportunity for Labour MPs to follow through after stating their opposition to the family farm tax. Sadly, only one Labour MP chose to stand with farmers against this cruel and damaging policy.
“Farmers and their families are rightly concerned about the financial and emotional impact this policy is already having. It is time Labour abandoned this deeply unfair measure, and if they will not, the Conservatives will.”
