A newly elected Labour MP has gone public along with his objections to the federal government’s proposed farm tax, saying it might “penalise” small farms in rural communities.
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It comes as farmers collect in central London once more right now, though with out their tractors, to protest the adjustments.
The controversial determination to take away Agricultural Property Aid was introduced by Rachel Reeves finally 12 months’s price range and is because of take impact in April 2026.
It has seen a rising backlash from farmers, in addition to supermarkets Tesco, Aldi and Lidl, who’ve raised considerations about meals safety, and enterprise group the CBI, which final week stated it might hit development.
Mr Tufnell is the third Labour MP to talk out, and it is understood extra might observe, as a vote on the change looms within the coming months.
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‘We have now to face up’
After making representations to Treasury ministers behind the scenes, Mr Tufnell is asking for the brink for levying the tax to be raised.
He additionally desires an amnesty or transition interval for older farmers who might not have the ability to move farms on to their youngsters in time to keep away from it.
“Me and a number of other MPs who are part of this new, broader, coalition within the Labour Party have to stand up and inform government that this is affecting our constituents,” he stated.
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“It’s affecting the fabric of the society within those rural communities and that’s why we were elected,” he added.
He stated the tax reduction for farmers had “encouraged them to die in their boots” – and farmers of their 70s and 80s had been put “in this incredibly difficult position” as they might not plan for the change.
“The policy needs to be improved,” he added, saying farmers are “critical” not only for the federal government’s development agenda, but additionally hitting its environmental targets.
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Why ought to farmers be taxed extra?
A damaged election promise?
Mr Tufnell, 32, narrowly received the seat from Conservative former cupboard minister Stephen Crabb, having informed constituents throughout the election marketing campaign that no adjustments to inheritance tax had been deliberate.
His is one among 59 rural constituencies that are among the many 100 most marginal wins for Labour.
The MP, who lives in Pembrokeshire, has confronted questions after it was revealed final 12 months {that a} portion of the land on the two,200 acre Gloucestershire farm belonging to his dad and mom Mark and Jane, price a reported £20m, had been handed to his brother Albermarle simply earlier than the price range.
It means if Mark Tufnell lives for one more seven years, no inheritance tax – which might be levied at a fee of 20% – can be paid on that half.
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‘Dyson and Clarkson ought to pay extra’
Mr Tufnell could not say the place the brink needs to be set, however stated it is one thing the federal government ought to focus on with farming unions.
The federal government says with tax reliefs that apply to farms owned by {couples} with youngsters, the brink could possibly be as much as £3m.
“I completely agree James Dyson and Jeremy Clarkson should pay more,” he stated.
‘Large considerations’
The MP acknowledged there have been “issues” with folks “dodging tax” and round how the reduction “artificially inflates the price of land”.
“But I’ve been engaging extensively with my constituents in Pembrokeshire, speaking to individual farmers in beef, dairy, poultry, on small-scale family farms, and they’ve got huge concerns,” he stated.
“It’s not about me and my family. I appreciate that I come from a farming family. But fundamentally I’m standing up for my constituents on a constituency matter and that’s the issue here.”
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‘The straw that broke the camel’s again’
A gaggle of some 30 rural Labour MPs deeply involved in regards to the impression of the coverage are understood to have held conferences with Treasury ministers prior to now month.
Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, and on the left of the social gathering, stated in January the proposed adjustments “feel like the straw that broke the camel’s back”.
Marcus Campbell-Savours, MP for the agricultural constituency of Penrith and Solway, stated he deliberate to vote towards the federal government’s plans of their present type and would search “important amendments.”
The chancellor insisted on the October price range that the adjustments, which the federal government estimated would save £500m a 12 months, would “ensure we continue to protect family farms”.
She stated the highest of seven% of claims at the moment account for 40% of the whole tax reduction, however the Nationwide Farmers Union declare the figures are “misleading” and tens of 1000’s of farms could possibly be affected.
