Debates between Hilary Benn and Jess Brown-Fuller during the 2024 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hilary Benn and Jess Brown-Fuller
Wednesday 27th November 2024

(3 weeks, 6 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

Jess Brown-Fuller Portrait Jess Brown-Fuller (Chichester) (LD)
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Total income from farming in Northern Ireland fell by 44% last year amid volatile markets, soaring costs and declining output. More than 6,000 Northern Ireland farmers recently gathered in the Eikon exhibition centre to highlight the impact that the changes to agricultural property relief will have on their sector. With dairy farming facing serious economic challenges and gross agricultural output declining, can the Secretary of State commit to publishing a full impact assessment of APR removal for Northern Ireland’s farming sector, as well as its wider implications?

Hilary Benn Portrait Hilary Benn
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As I indicated in answer to the same question a moment ago, until we understand the ownership structure of each farm, I do not see how an impact assessment that would answer the hon. Member’s question could be done. Now that farmers know what the new arrangements are going to be, I urge them to take advice. There are a number of things that they can do. Last week, I met the Ulster Farmers’ Union and a number of young farmers, and I am in no doubt about the concern that they have expressed. It is really important that we discuss it on the basis of the facts and that people look at how they can plan for their future.