Rural Affairs

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Concerned about the impact of inheritance tax on capital investment in farming. Points out that farmers nearing retirement may reconsider major investments due to expected surcharges.

Andrew Murrison Con

South West Wiltshire

Questions whether farmers will still invest heavily in land improvements or agricultural equipment when considering the inheritance tax implications, likely reducing capital investment.

Simon Hoare Con

North Dorset

Critiques the Secretary of State for painting an overly optimistic picture regarding the Budget's impact on farming communities.

Roger Gale Con

Herne Bay and Sandwich

Highlights the significant damage caused by inheritance tax changes, citing a farmer in his constituency who has cancelled plans to build a new barn due to these measures. Also mentions despair among park home owners.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Raises concerns about the impact of inheritance tax on family farms, particularly in Northern Ireland where almost every farmer will be affected according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union. Requests a meeting with Secretary of State to discuss this matter.

Matt Rodda Lab

Reading Central

Compliments the Secretary of State for addressing flooding issues but asks about the potential threat to wildlife habitats and flood plains from speculative land purchases by developers.

Harriet Cross Con

Gordon and Buchan

Requests clarification on where figures regarding funding allocation were obtained.

Ben Obese-Jecty Con

Huntingdon

Seeks the Secretary of State’s attention, though his specific question is not mentioned in the provided text.

Ben Lake PC

Ceredigion Preseli

Expresses concern that processing additional funds through the Barnett formula might reduce agricultural funding in Wales. Requests reassurance from the Secretary of State.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Welcomes increased funding for flooding but questions the effectiveness of the current flooding formula, which prioritises certain areas over others in terms of flood mitigation efforts.

John Glen Con

Salisbury

Discusses concerns about arbitration between Natural England and the Environment Agency regarding authority over environmental management issues.

Greg Smith Con

Mid Buckinghamshire

Highlights the importance of implementing a private Member's Bill related to forensic marking for combating rural crime, urging the Secretary of State to work with the Home Secretary on this issue.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Requests a meeting or further discussion regarding unspecified matters concerning rural affairs, though her specific concerns are not detailed in the provided text.

Victoria Atkins Con

Louth and Horncastle

The right hon. Member Victoria Atkins criticised Labour's tax policies targeting agricultural property relief and business property relief, arguing that these changes will disproportionately affect tenant farmers and multigenerational farming families who cannot afford the resulting inheritance taxes without selling their farms. She cited several examples of how this policy would devastate local communities and businesses. She also questioned the rationale behind targeting only British-owned farms with such tax hikes.

Richard Tice Reform

Boston and Skegness

Asked if Victoria Atkins had received any feedback from farmers in his constituency who support Labour's tax reforms. He did not receive such responses, implying widespread opposition among rural communities to the proposed changes.

Daniel Zeichner Lab

Cambridge

Asserted that there are indeed farmers supporting the proposed tax reforms, suggesting that the issue is more nuanced than presented by the Conservative speakers.

John Glen Con

Salisbury

Supported Victoria Atkins's critique of the tax changes, arguing that they disproportionately impact modest family farmers rather than large landowners with sophisticated tax planning regimes. He also criticised Labour for providing vague assurances while undermining rural economies.

Harriett Baldwin Con

West Worcestershire

Asked Victoria Atkins to give way, indicating she wanted to contribute to the debate but her intervention was not recorded in this excerpt.

Liz Saville-Roberts PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Asked Secretary of State for clarification on agricultural funding allocations post-Barnettisation, expressing concern over a significant drop in financial support for Welsh farmers which could affect Scotland and Northern Ireland as well.

Simon Hoare Con

North Dorset

Questioned the Secretary of State's contradictory statements about farmer prosperity and future economic conditions, finding it difficult to reconcile promises with practical advice given in the context of Labour's proposed tax reforms.

Mark Garnier Con

Wyre Forest

Asked Victoria Atkins if she had considered the implications of falling agricultural land prices for farmers who have mortgages on their properties, warning about potential negative equity and further economic strain on farming families due to proposed tax changes.

Luke Evans Con

Hinckley and Bosworth

Asked about the impact of proposed measures on food security if farmers decide to hand back their farms or have their farms broken up.

Alec Shelbrooke Con

Wetherby and Easingwold

Requested an intervention from a fellow Conservative MP.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Referenced the recent urgent question on food security, where the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs acknowledged that land would be sold off for development.

Louise Jones Lab

North East Derbyshire

Asked the shadow Secretary of State to commit to reversing the changes and questioned which public services she would cut, particularly NHS services.

Josh MacAlister Lab

Whitehaven and Workington

Pressed the former Health Secretary on her past performance regarding the state of the NHS and asked if she had reflected on where she went wrong.

Josh Newbury Lab

Cannock Chase

Delivered his maiden speech, paying tribute to predecessors including Jennie Lee and Tony Wright. Highlighted the natural beauty and economic diversity of Cannock Chase, emphasising its role in forestry, mountain biking, education, construction, retail, agriculture, and coal mining heritage. Stated his commitment to addressing rural challenges such as access to healthcare and infrastructure.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Critiqued the government's agricultural and rural policy, citing issues such as a 41% drop in livestock farmer incomes over five years. Highlighted problems with second home ownership, collapse of long-term private rented sector into Airbnb, and impacts on mental health of farmers due to changes in subsidies. Called for separate planning use category for second homes and proposed strategic small surgeries fund for rural GP services.

Sarah Gibson Lib Dem

Chippenham

Agreed with concerns about inheritance tax changes affecting family farms, emphasising the potential devastating impact on small farms and food security.

Simon Hoare Con

North Dorset

Responded to concerns about trade deals with Australia and New Zealand, stating that these fears have not materialized as imports were absorbed by Chinese and south-east Asian markets. Cited reduction in New Zealand lamb production.

Chris Kane Lab

Stirling and Strathallan

Kane discusses his constituency’s rich history, noting its role in coal mining, agriculture, river fisheries, and tourism. He highlights the area's contributions to Scottish cultural identity through historical events like the battles of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, as well as its influence on British monarchy with King James VI uniting England and Scotland. The MP also mentions the importance of modern economic activities such as film production, internet infrastructure, life sciences, manufacturing, and sporting achievements.

John Lamont Con

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

Expresses concern over the disconnect between rural communities in Scotland and the Governments in Edinburgh and London. Criticises the SNP Government for overlooking rural areas and Labour for not valuing them. Highlights negative impacts of Labour's policies on inheritance tax and business relief, which harm rural businesses and farmers' ability to pass on family farms. Shares testimonies from local farmers highlighting financial burdens imposed by recent changes. Emphasises the importance of farming as a way of life contributing to the economy and food security. Calls for certainty and stability in agricultural policy and criticises Labour's plans affecting local transport infrastructure, such as the A1 road and borders railway.

David Taylor Lab

Hemel Hempstead

I pay tribute to the beautiful countryside that surrounds our town, and to the villages that are part of the constituency. I welcome our new Government’s commitment to build genuinely affordable housing and new council homes, while also ensuring that the right infrastructure accompanies them. First, I will strive to improve local healthcare, including by pushing for a new community hospital. Second, I will make sure that children in Hemel Hempstead, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities, get the best possible education. Third, I will prioritise combating crime. Lastly, I know that the cost of living crisis is hurting people locally.

Damian Hinds Con

East Hampshire

Mr Hinds noted that rural Britain faces unique challenges such as connectivity issues and the impact of power outages on traditional phone services. He pointed to issues with housing targets within national parks, causing development pressures outside them. Additionally, he raised concerns about inheritance tax changes affecting family farms' sustainability.

Lee Pitcher Lab

Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

Flooding is a major issue in many parts of the UK, impacting millions of people. It is also a significant economic problem, as it affects the economy significantly. The Government has taken some steps through the Water (Special Measures) Bill and providing £60 million in the Budget for flood-related work with the agricultural community. However, more is needed to manage water effectively and ensure long-term planning for resilience to flooding through adaptation and mitigation.

Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem

Orkney and Shetland

In rural areas, there is a genuine crisis of confidence in communities' futures and the future of farming. There are concerns about changes to inheritance tax affecting family farms, and other issues such as carbon border adjustment mechanism on fertilisers causing food prices to spike. The return of changes to the treatment of double cab pick-ups also causes concern. Beyond inheritance tax, there are measures on furnished holiday lets that farmers have been encouraged by successive Governments to diversify their business into but now find they are being clobbered again.

Julia Buckley Lab

Shrewsbury

Thanked the Secretary of State for support provided by the Government for rural areas, focusing on longer-term policies that aim to bring sustainability to rural communities. Criticised the previous Conservative government for neglecting farmers and failing to provide post-Brexit funding or trading deals. Highlighted concerns about the rushed and complicated SFI and ELM schemes, which resulted in an underspend of £227 million over two years. Emphasised the importance of long-term planning and investment in agriculture, such as the £5 billion agricultural investment announced in the Budget. Mentioned Labour's policy to direct public procurement towards British suppliers to support local farmers.

Alec Shelbrooke Con

Wetherby and Easingwold

Discussed flooding issues affecting rural areas, citing the town of Tadcaster as an example. Highlighted concerns about drainage systems that are not being properly serviced by Yorkshire Water. Criticised promises made to communities regarding flood defence measures and the impact of housing developments in flood-prone areas. Emphasised the importance of preserving traditional knowledge from farmers and local residents who understand land hydrology. Critiqued Labour's agricultural policies, suggesting they ignore farmer concerns and rely on a small group at the top making decisions. Highlighted the potential negative consequences of inheritance tax changes for farming communities.

Ben Goldsborough Lab

South Norfolk

Addressed four issues: water security, controlled environment agriculture, horticulture, and biosecurity. Emphasised the need for reservoir construction on agricultural land to ensure water security in areas prone to shortages. Advocated for legislative changes to support controlled environment agriculture, noting its environmental benefits and potential for higher yields with less land use. Highlighted the importance of the horticultural sector, contributing significantly to jobs and GDP, and urged regaining leadership in this field from the Dutch. Raised concerns about biosecurity threats such as bluetongue disease and avian influenza, advocating for increased investment and better border security training.

Patrick Spencer Ind

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich

Focussed on flood risk management in Suffolk, highlighting the impact of heavy rainfall and Storm Babet. Criticised local authorities for delays in addressing drainage issues and supported a private Member’s Bill to clarify responsibility over flooding preparedness. Warned against increasing housing developments in high-risk areas as it exacerbates surface water run-off and increases flood risk. Emphasised that changes like APR and increased inheritance tax on small farms are aimed at releasing land for development, which he argued is economically unjustified. Condemned targeting large landowners for taxes instead of focusing on the impact on family-run farms.

Josh MacAlister Lab

Whitehaven and Workington

I am delighted to have the chance to speak in this important debate about rural affairs. I will focus my remarks on farming. West Cumbria is home to hundreds of farmers, primarily cattle and upland sheep farmers. Sheep are ubiquitous in Cumbria: for every Cumbrian, there are five sheep. Farmers are rightly very proud of our Herdies, Rough Fells and Swaledales, as evidenced by the closely fought competitions at many local agricultural shows. I want to make three straightforward points, the first of which is about the relationship between farming and nature recovery. Across 40 square miles of the upper Wasdale and Ennerdale fells and commons, farmers have banded together to form the West Lakeland community interest company. Will and Louise Rawlings, Richard Maxwell, Julius and Kirsten Manduell, Kevin and Yvonne Holliday and their daughter Vicky, Sue Lister and many others are working together in innovative ways to ensure the long-term stability of traditional, nature-friendly farming and land management. I want the Government to do more to empower such models of nature recovery in partnership with farmers. Despite the incredibly difficult financial backdrop, I welcome the Government’s £5 billion commitment to support farmers over the next two years, including the largest amount ever for sustainable food production and nature protection. That contrasts sharply with the chaotic changes to payments and the growth of a highly bureaucratic system under the previous Government. Many farmers have expressed their anger about wealthy individuals buying up agricultural land to avoid paying inheritance tax, which is forcing up land prices so that young farmers can no longer afford it. I ask Ministers to consider some form of transitional support for those who will pass down their farms in the coming seven years.

Helen Morgan Lib Dem

North Shropshire

I congratulate the hon. Members who made their maiden speeches earlier. Farming is the backbone of the economy in places like North Shropshire. Farmers have had an incredibly challenging time, not just because of the phasing out of the basic payment scheme and the botched transition to the sustainable farming incentive, but also due to issues arising from Brexit. The changes to the inheritance tax threshold have been very badly communicated to farmers; 288 farms in North Shropshire will be affected. Farmers are concerned about flooding, with many still unable to re-till following continuous wet weather. I urge the Government to look at flood defence spending and consider building reservoirs into their plans for effective water management. Healthcare is problematic in rural areas, with difficulties in attracting staff and issues such as ambulance waiting times being raised on the doorstep by constituents. Transport is a huge problem, leading to challenges like the loss of bus miles since 2015 and poor public transport affecting employment opportunities. The Government must ensure that the shared rural network is delivered effectively or allow people to roam between networks if it fails. Local councils must be fairly funded so the cost of delivering services over vast areas is reflected in funding settlements.

Tim Roca Lab

Macclesfield

Paid tribute to rural communities for their efforts during the wars of the last century, thanked the Government for holding this debate on rural affairs. Addressed rural crime and the impact of war in Ukraine on farm vehicle thefts, calling for more security measures from manufacturers.

Simon Hoare Con

North Dorset

Discussed challenges in his constituency with 88% being hill, wood or farmland. Criticised the Government's rural policy and taxation changes, emphasising the need for rural-proofing policies to address the higher cost of delivering public services in sparser populations. Highlighted issues like access to housing, skills training for young people, dentistry, and driving tests.

Phil Brickell Lab

Bolton West

Welcomed the Secretary of State's remarks on cleaning up rivers, growing rural economy and investing in flood defences. Highlighted Labour’s history in giving people access to nature through legislation such as the National Parks Act and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Emphasised the health benefits of access to nature, including reducing obesity and poor mental health costs. Called for an extension of public's open access rights to waterways and countryside. Advocated for a White Paper on access to nature, including waterways. Stressed the importance of clean water and access to it.

Graham Leadbitter SNP

Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey

Complimented maiden speakers. Addressed impact of inheritance tax changes on farmers, highlighting potential financial strain and risk to family farms’ viability. Emphasised whisky taxation affecting rural job security and economic growth in the region. Called for a statement on the future of forestry beyond 2035 to support sustainable aviation fuel production and housing.

Graeme Downie Lab

Dunfermline and Dollar

Downie congratulated those who made their maiden speech, highlighted the challenges in his constituency of Dunfermline and Dollar, including access to health, education, transport and other public services. He mentioned concerns about changes in the Budget to agricultural property relief and the impact on farmers. He discussed issues such as unreliable bus services, difficulty accessing healthcare without a car, delays in broadband infrastructure roll-out, and challenges with tourism affecting local communities. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to championing rural needs.

Greg Smith Con

Mid Buckinghamshire

Smith criticised the Labour Government's Budget changes for agricultural property relief, arguing they threaten family farms and rural communities across the country. He highlighted concerns about farmers' tight margins, the impact of the carbon tax on fertiliser costs, and the need to address rural crime by passing his Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023. Smith also expressed frustration over delays in implementing planning changes and urged the Government to take a more sensible approach to rural energy production.

Julie Minns Lab

Carlisle

Minns highlights the impact of rural crime, including theft and fly-tipping, which has risen under the previous government. She cites NFU Mutual figures indicating a 4.3% increase in crime in 2023, costing over £52 million. In Cumbria, rural theft cost an estimated £815,000—a rise of 12% on the previous year. Minns argues that criminal gangs take advantage of reduced police presence due to budget cuts. She supports the current government's cross-governmental rural crime strategy and commends local efforts in her constituency, including a dedicated rural crime team which recovered stolen property worth £820,000.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Shannon discusses the importance of agriculture in Northern Ireland's economy. He mentions various successful local businesses and their contributions to the UK market. Agriculture accounts for 75% of land use, with about £2.2 billion gross output from farming and £5.4 billion from food processing. Shannon criticises government policies such as inheritance tax, which forces farms to sell land. He calls on the Minister to address issues like state aid restrictions impacting businesses under the Northern Ireland protocol.

Luke Charters Lab

York Outer

Proud to represent rural communities in York Outer, focusing on food production. Addresses flooding, biosecurity, and mental health issues in the region. Supports Government initiatives for flood resilience but emphasises the need for quicker release of funds during emergencies. Emphasises the importance of biosecurity due to recent outbreaks and supports local procurement by the Government to promote British farming. Condemns deceptive packaging practices that mislead consumers about the origin of food products. Highlights the mental health challenges faced by farmers and calls for cross-party collaboration on these issues.

Blake Stephenson Con

Mid Bedfordshire

Highlights the importance of rural communities in growing food, maintaining countryside, and supporting local businesses such as pubs. Raises concerns about fly-tipping, wildlife crime, and the allocation of police funding to urban areas over rural ones. Discusses broadband quality issues that hinder business growth and access to healthcare, advocating for primary care services reaching into villages. Advocates for sustainable development in planning rules and against suburban dormitory developments. Urges support for British farmers facing a family farm tax and warns of the impact on community sustainability.

Chris Hinchliff Lab

North East Hertfordshire

The debate addresses systemic issues undermining rural life in the UK, particularly focusing on housing developments that prioritise profit over community needs. Chris Hinchliff argues that rural areas face a lack of local facilities and infrastructure due to speculative development and rising house prices, leading to increased homelessness and environmental strain. He emphasises the need for systemic change to recognise the intrinsic value of rurality and advocates for policies such as re-regulation of bus services, sustainable food production, and investment in distributed technologies to promote rural communities.

Bradley Thomas Con

Bromsgrove

Bradley Thomas highlights the importance of supporting farmers who are crucial to rural economies. He criticises recent government policies for undermining farming families through tax changes that could affect food security and the agricultural sector. Thomas cites specific examples from constituents who feel their farms may no longer be sustainable due to new taxes, leading some to consider leaving the country. He calls on the Government to protect family farms by reversing certain tax decisions and supporting British farmers while also addressing broader issues such as rural connectivity and infrastructure.

Sam Carling Lab

North West Cambridgeshire

Farmers in North West Cambridgeshire contribute significantly to the UK's food security. The current Government is taking positive steps, including a £2.4 billion farming budget for 2025-26 and immediate support for those affected by flooding. Carling also addresses rural crime, transport issues, and the importance of better broadband connectivity in rural areas.

Ben Obese-Jecty Con

Huntingdon

Intervened to urge Sam Carling to put pressure on the combined authority and its Labour Mayor to ensure rural communities are included in bus franchising schemes, highlighting a need for improved services.

Steffan Aquarone Lib Dem

North Norfolk

Discussed challenges faced by rural areas including flooding, coastal erosion, transport issues, and concerns over the family farm tax included in the Budget. Emphasised the need for joined-up strategies and greater powers to deliver change.

Joe Morris Lab

Hexham

Morris highlighted the challenges faced by rural communities, including higher costs and less efficient shopping experiences due to smaller shops. He also mentioned issues with sustainable farming incentive schemes for upland farmers.

Robin Swann UUP

South Antrim

Swann spoke about the negative impact of inheritance tax on Northern Irish farms, which he claims will affect a third of farms and 75% of dairy sector farms. He criticised the Government for not addressing these issues adequately.

John Slinger Lab

Rugby

Slinger discussed local flood management efforts in Rugby, emphasising the need for community engagement and the importance of listening to local voices when developing policy. He highlighted the work done by parish councils and local communities.

Sarah Dyke Lib Dem

Glastonbury and Somerton

Ian, a beef farmer with a cider apple farm in Glastonbury, is facing significant challenges due to the government's changes to APR. The farming sector has been hit by Brexit, energy price hikes, the war in Ukraine, rising feed prices, poor trade deals, and issues transitioning from basic payment schemes to environmental land management schemes. Sarah argues that this new policy will further damage family farms, affecting food security and rural communities. She calls for an abolition of the family farm tax or at least a higher threshold to mitigate its impact on vulnerable farmers.

John Cooper Con

Dumfries and Galloway

Cooper criticises the government, comparing them to Bonnie Prince Charlie who took money from Dumfries in 1745. He highlights local businesses facing challenges due to increased employer national insurance contributions and farmers struggling with inheritance taxes. Cooper emphasises that rural communities want fair treatment and recognition for their contributions to food security and economic activity.

Ann Davies PC

Caerfyrddin

Davies highlights the importance of agriculture in Wales, both economically and culturally. She argues that changes announced in the recent Budget undermine Welsh farmers with an effective 20% tax rate on assets over £1 million, making it difficult for many to pay. Davies raises concerns about tenant farmers and calls for clearer country-of-origin labelling to support local produce.

Ben Obese-Jecty Con

Huntingdon

Obese-Jecty discusses the devastating impact of changes to APR and BPR on family farms in his constituency. He uses Guy, an arable farmer in Warboys, as an example to illustrate how these changes can force farmers to sell their land or face significant tax burdens. Obese-Jecty emphasises the Prime Minister's failure to deliver a respectful partnership with rural communities.

Harriet Cross Con

Gordon and Buchan

Cross pointed out that the changes to agricultural property relief are a poorly conceived tax affecting many rural farmers. She explained that most farmers lack sufficient capital to cover an inheritance tax bill, thus forcing them to sell assets essential for farming.

Saqib Bhatti Con

Meriden and Solihull East

Bhatti highlighted the historical contribution of farmers during world wars and their ongoing role in food security. He criticised the Government's policy as a cynical ploy to free up land for development, undermining national security and causing distress among rural communities.

Richard Tice Reform

Boston and Skegness

Tice reported that confidence in rural areas is diminishing due to the Budget's impact on farmers' investment plans. He also criticised the Environment Agency for failing in its management responsibilities, leading to riverbank destruction and reduced local confidence.

Sarah Bool Con

South Northamptonshire

Bool discussed the negative effects of agricultural property relief changes on South Northamptonshire's farmers. She also raised concerns over flooding caused by inadequate dredging and questioned the scale of proposed solar farms, emphasising their potential impact on rural communities.

Roz Savage Lib Dem

South Cotswolds

Savage detailed the struggles of a local farmer who made £34,000 last year but anticipates a loss this year due to falling crop prices. She criticised the recent Budget proposals for exacerbating farmers' vulnerability and threatening family farms through inheritance tax changes. Savage introduced her Climate and Nature Bill aimed at supporting sustainable agriculture and highlighted the importance of regenerating soil as part of environmental stewardship.

Robbie Moore Con

Keighley and Ilkley

Moore criticised Labour's recent Budget, arguing it is undermining rural communities and the agricultural sector. He detailed several policy changes, including inheritance tax relief caps and increased taxes on fertiliser and machinery, which he claimed would have catastrophic consequences for farmers who operate under tight margins. Moore emphasised that most family farmers are not multimillionaires but rely heavily on their asset base to sustain business operations.

Daniel Zeichner Lab

Cambridge

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to wind up this debate and express gratitude towards farmers. Daniel acknowledges contributions from Labour Members regarding rural issues, commending maiden speeches on homophobia, film production, housing challenges, flooding, crime, national parks access, rural crime, biosecurity, mental health, homelessness, and more. He emphasises the importance of addressing low farmer confidence under previous Conservative governments and highlights the need for building homes rather than renting at high rates. Daniel also addresses Opposition concerns over Agricultural Property Relief (APR) figures, stating that actual claims are between 400 to 500 per year, likely reducing due to policy changes. He acknowledges positive news about future food production, environmental protection, and stability with the largest budget ever for Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), over half a billion pounds.

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