Only one Labour MP stood up for farmers during a vote in the House of Commons last night (2 December) and it wasn’t a Welsh Labour MP.
Resolution 50 of the Finance Bill was brought forward for a vote by the Speaker. The resolution deals with the United Kingdom Government’s proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), including reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which have been widely described as the family farm tax.
Despite taking part in other votes that evening, four of Wales' Labour MPs failed to register a vote either for or against the family farm tax, with 23 Welsh Labour MPs supporting the UK Government’s family farm tax plans. This contrasts with Labour MP Markus Campbell Savours, representing Penrith and Solway, who was the only Labour MP who stood with farmers and voted against the proposed changes.
Commenting, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS, said:
“This was a clear opportunity for MPs to state their opposition to the family farm tax. Sadly, not one Welsh Labour MP stood with farmers and voted against this cruel policy.
“Farmers and their families are rightly concerned about the financial and emotional impact this policy is already having. It is time Labour abandoned this deeply unfair measure, and if they will not, the Conservatives will.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Welsh Labour MPs slammed over vote backing inheritance tax changes for farmers
