The Shadow Minister for Farming in the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz, has called on Welsh Labour MPs to vote against Resolution 50 of the Finance Bill when it is brought forward this evening. The resolution concerns the UK Government’s proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), including reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), the family farm tax.
Kurtz said that by rejecting the proposal, Welsh Labour MPs would send a clear and unequivocal message to farming communities and the UK Labour Government that they oppose what he described as damaging reforms to long-standing tax reliefs vital to the survival of family-run farms.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:
“This is an opportunity for Welsh Labour MPs to show some backbone and stand up for Welsh farmers, the agricultural industry, and rural communities across the country.
“While some Welsh Labour MPs and their families have been able to move assets around prior to the introduction of the family farm tax in order to avoid paying it, Welsh farmers have had no such opportunity.
“This is a vindictive policy, one that strips away centuries of tradition and undermines the very backbone of rural Wales. Now is the time for Welsh Labour MPs to stand up, do the right thing, and back our farmers by voting against the family farm tax.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
- Urgent call for farmers with Labour MPs to contact them before IHT vote
- There is due to be a vote on Resolution 50 of the Finance Bill tonight in Westminster, which is the part that relates to Inheritance Tax.
