Eagle calls for Labour to bin ‘cruel’ Family Farm Tax

The “cruel” Family Farm Tax is set to be highlighted in the Scottish Parliament this week by a local MSP.

Shadow rural affairs secretary Tim Eagle MSP - who is based in Buckie - will lead a debate on Wednesday to highlight the “huge concerns” surrounding the proposals that were announced in Labour’s budget last month.

A petition led by the Conservatives has already secured over 50,000 signatures across the United Kingdom, while one started by the National Farmers Union has amassed over 125,000.

The changes mean that inheritance tax will now be applied at a rate of 20 per cent on agricultural and business property assets worth over £1 million.

Mr Eagle said Labour need to listen to farmers and “urgently U-turn” on their plans, which he says puts the very existence of future food production “under serious threat”.

He continued: “Labour’s Family Farm Tax is cruel and will have a devastating impact on farming across Scotland and the United Kingdom.

“As a farmer myself, this is personal to me.

“That is why I am proud to be leading my party in a debate in Holyrood this week to highlight the huge concerns surrounding what Labour announced in the budget.

“We’ve heard directly from farmers that this could cripple many family farms. It will mean that families will not be able to pass on their farm to the next generation.

“Labour’s response to the growing anger shows how disconnected they are. They just do not get what this will mean for farmers and their families.

“If they do go ahead, then our future food security will be under serious threat. Without farmers, we do not have food.

“Labour must listen to farmers and urgently U-turn on their Family Farm Tax. I hope MSPs from all parties will join us in sending Labour that message from Holyrood.

“Otherwise, we could see the end of the family farm as we know it.”