Shropshire MP renews calls to 'scrap the family farm tax' with protest outside Parliament today

South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson has thrown his weight behind a campaign to intensify pressure on the Government to halt its controversial plans. 

He said that almost 1,000 residents across his constituency have signed a petition on the UK Parliament website, calling for the inheritance tax relief to be retained.

The petition - which was launched in November - has gained more than 149,000 signatures, and is due to be debated in Parliament on February 10. 

Mr Anderson said South Shropshire is the highest constituency represented in the petition, with 978 signatures from residents in the region.

Under proposals by the Government, 20 per cent of inheritance tax would be charged on estates with business and agricultural assets worth more than £1 million. 

Farmers will stage another tractor protest outside Parliament today as they continue their campaign against changes.

Labour has insisted it will not make a U-turn on its plans to introduce what has been dubbed the 'family farm tax'.

The changes announced in the Budget are due to come into force in April next year and scrap an exemption which meant no inheritance tax was paid to pass down family farms.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is expected to address farmers making a pit stop on their way into London this morning.

The Government said in its response to the petition that its commitment to farmers is "steadfast" but that there is an "urgent need to repair the public finances in as fair a way as possible."

"The reform of the reliefs strikes the right balance," it said.

The National Farmers Union, which has organised previous protests, said it supported any of its members taking part.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: "The strength of feeling around the proposed family farm tax is still incredibly high.

"We support any members who want to take part in other respectful and lawful demonstrations which work towards our aim to stop the family farm tax."

South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson said the inheritance tax could result in higher food prices, and stated that the price of a loose aubergine or a cucumber could go up by 20p, while packs of peppers could rise by 35p.

Stuart Anderson MP said: "Farmers are the backbone of rural communities like South Shropshire. Yet, they are under immense pressure.

"They have just faced one of the worst harvests on record and the wettest January in fifteen years. The government's plan to reduce inheritance tax relief for farmers will only worsen this crisis, tearing up family farms across the country. Having warned the Government against this policy ahead of the Autumn Budget, I am shocked that it is still being proceeded with. 

"I have continued to raise the need to support our farmers at every possible opportunity. That this petition against the Family Farm Tax has gained almost 1,000 signatures from South Shropshire alone demonstrates the real strength of local support. 

"Farmers need the continued certainty that these reliefs provide to carry on producing their high-quality food and being the stewards of our natural environment. Their work is vital for our national security, and I hope that the government will recognise this before it is too late."