'Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economy' - Shropshire MP backs farmers and their protest at Parliament
A Shropshire MP has offered his backing and greeted farmers when they visited Parliament on Tuesday to protest against the Family Farm Tax.
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South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson joined other Conservative MPs in London, offering his support to farmers in the UK.
The protest by farmers at Parliament followed an announcement in the Autumn Budget that the rate of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) will be reduced to 50 per cent after the first £1 million on combined agricultural and business from April 2026.
It means 20 per cent inheritance tax will be charged on estates with business and agricultural assets worth more than £1 million.
Mr Anderson said that prior to the budget, he had written to the Chancellor to warn against the changes.
He claims that in his letter he said that any changes to the reliefs would be a "severe blow" to farming families and other rural businesses.
The Conservative MP then became one of the first MPs to question the decision after the tax hike was announced, warning that it would pose a serious risk to domestic food security and food prices.
Following a meeting with farmers, Stuart attended a reception in Parliament held by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), that has recently launched their annual Winter Wellbeing Appeal to raise vital funds to support farming families.
Mr Anderson said: "Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economy.
"Their high-quality produce is envied around the world and is an integral part of our food national security. So, I was delighted to welcome farmers from South Shropshire to Parliament.
"They joined with thousands of other farmers across the country who are united in their opposition to the Family Farm Tax, which will land farming families with an inheritance tax bill costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. I am pleased to support our farmers, having raised my concerns in Parliament when the changes were first announced.
"I am clear that we must help them and the other groups impacted by this cruel tax imposition."
