Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest and Shadow DEFRA Minister, highlights the plight of farmers and rural communities ahead of a major rally against Labour's destructive Family Farm Tax plans tomorrow (Tuesday 19th November).
Despite Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Environment Secretary Steve Reed previously promising to protect farmers, under Government proposals, more than 100,000 farms across the country will be hit by new inheritance tax laws.
They will be devastating for family farms and pose a serious risk to domestic food security and food prices.
Recently promoted to the Shadow frontbench DEFRA Team by Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch, Dr Hudson stood up in Parliament to quiz Ministers on this "ill judged and heartless" decision recently. You can watch his intervention here: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-rails-against-labours-ill-judged-and-heartless-family-farm-tax-first-commons
A petition at stopthefarmtax.com has been set up for people to back British farming and oppose the new tax, while farmers will gather in Westminster on Tuesday in opposition to Labour’s plans.
They will be joined by Conservative MP for Epping Forest, Dr Neil Hudson, who says Labour’s political choice to target farmers is a cruel blow to the industry and will affect workers and consumers across the country.
As the first Veterinary Surgeon elected since 1884 Dr Hudson is a passionate supporter of farmers and the rural communities they support. You can read more about his campaigning in Parliament here: www.neilhudson.org.uk/campaigns/protecting-agriculture-and-our-environment
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's rally, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Given the clear expert-driven evidence highlighting the impact on farmers, food security and our rural communities, this policy makes no sense and could be catastrophic for family farms.
“Not only have Labour underestimated and undervalued the farms affected by this harsh new tax, but the knock-on effects for the whole country could be disastrous.
“It is why I will stand beside our farmers from here in Epping Forest and across Essex, and those from right across the country to show the Labour Government they have made not only a bad decision, but the wrong decision.
“I will remain committed to helping our farmers fight this harsh new tax and gathering together will show Keir Starmer how poor his judgement is on this."
