Shadow Secretary of State, MP, said:
“So far, all Labour has done for farmers is introduce the
vindictive Family Farm Tax that threatens to destroy family
farming as we know it; hike National Insurance that will slash
jobs and rural businesses; remove the capital grants that farmers
rely on to grow their businesses; and speed up cuts to farming
payments. The only guarantee Labour offers to farmers is that
they're coming after you and your way of life.
“In government, the Conservatives introduced the Agriculture Act,
which set out a framework to support farmers including through
fairness in supply chains. We also introduced a legislative
commitment to the UK Food Security Report. Labour voted against
these measures then so are not to be trusted now. The
Conservatives will stand up for farmers and our rural
communities.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
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The 2024 Autumn Budget introduced the Family Farm
Tax, impacting up to 102,041 farms. The 2024 Autumn
Budget cuts the 100 per cent rate of relief to 50 per cent
after the first £1 million of combined agricultural and
business assets from April 2026. Analysis has found that
102,041 farms in England could be affected – a significant
difference from the Treasury's estimate, that it will affect
less than 500 farms a year, which was used to justify the
policy (HM Treasury, Autumn Budget 2024, p. 48,
30 October 2024, link).
-
Labour are raising National Insurance Contributions
that will impact farming costs. Labour are raising
National Insurance Contributions which along with the
increase in the National Living Wage will increase costs for
farms and impact employees pay increases. The NFU have
described the budget as a ‘blow for British farming'
(NFU, 30 October 2024, link).
-
Labour have suspended many of DEFRA's capital grants
for farming. Labour have suspended many of DEFRA's
capital grants which provide standalone capital item
agreements to deliver environmental outcomes. A total of 76
grants are closing temporarily meaning farmers will not be
able to access them. The NFU have described the closures as
creating confusion and frustration and that they are a ‘real
blow' to NFU members (NFU, 28 November 2024,
link).
-
When in government, we provided farmers with £2.4
billion a year. We ensured that £2.4 billion a year
of public money flowed into farming communities, including
funding to enhance farming productivity and promote
sustainable farming practices. This funding ensured the
foundations of our food security and support for farmers
(DEFRA, Unleashing Rural Opportunity, 6 June 2023,
link).
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When in government we ensured food security was high
on the agenda. We committed to grow 60 per cent of
our food at home, introduced an annual food security report,
held an annual Farm to Forksummit, and set out plans to
introduce a legally binding target to enhance our food
security (DEFRA,Press Release, 20 February 2024,
link).