Budget: Implications for Farming Communities

Debate between Daniel Zeichner and Rupert Lowe

Monday 4th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Daniel Zeichner]

I do not recognise those figures. When I look at the figures that the Treasury gave for the number of claims in the last year available, that is very close to the number in the hon. Lady’s own constituency, which seems unlikely to me.

[Rupert Lowe (Great Yarmouth) (Reform)]

First, I should declare an interest as an active farmer of 865 acres. Secondly, I represent a constituency with some of the most fertile farmland in the country, and since the Budget I have yet to come across anyone who thinks that this is anything other than a terrible decision. Speaking at the Country Land and Business Association conference before the election, the then shadow Secretary of State—now the Secretary of State—was asked whether Labour intended to change inheritance tax relief for farmland. The response was:

“We have no intention of changing APR”.

While I feel for the Minister in trying to defend the indefensible, would he like to take the opportunity today to apologise to the British farming community and, most importantly, commit to the reversal of this cruel assault on British family farms?

[Daniel Zeichner]

The hon. Gentleman well knows the financial state of the country that we inherited. Difficult decisions had to be made.