Westcountry MPs welcome easing of farm tax levies

The four Labour MPs in Cornwall said they had worked tirelessly on the issue, meeting regularly with the Government, the Labour Rural Research Group, the NFU, and local farmers “to get results for farmers across Cornwall”.

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They said the announcement was “a reflection of many people across Cornwall working together to achieve change”.

Anna Gelderd, South East Cornwall Labour MP, said: “Over the past year, I have been listening to farmers in South East Cornwall, working with industry experts and organisations, and pressing their case in Parliament, and directly with Defra and Treasury Ministers. I am glad that the inheritance tax threshold for farming families is being increased. This change gives much needed certainty, protects the future of family-run farms and reflects the real pressures facing modern agriculture.

“At all stages, I have appreciated the open engagement of the local farming community, many of whom have shared their stories and concerns directly with me. As a result of this hard work and collaboration, we now have national policy working for those who put food on our tables. I am glad to have played a part in protecting our farming culture for future generations.”