Finance (No. 2) Bill

Debate between John Lamont and Mel Stride

2nd reading
Tuesday 16th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Mel Stride]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right. The value of farming goes above and beyond successful businesses simply contributing to the economy in the traditional way. Farming also underpins our food security as a nation.

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of farmers in Parliament Square this afternoon, blasting their horns about the family farm tax. The shadow Chancellor and many other colleagues from the Opposition Benches have been out to meet the farmers to understand their concerns. Has he heard, like I have, their frustration at the Government’s failure to listen and understand the impact that the family farm tax will have on farm viability?

[Sir Mel Stride]

My hon. Friend is right. I was out there this morning speaking to farmers, including a group up from Newbury, who have taken the trouble to come here to make exactly that case powerfully to us on the day of this debate.