[Scottish Parliament, 13.11.2024] Following today’s vote in the Scottish Parliament which saw MSPs from across the chamber back a Scottish Conservative motion calling on the UK Labour Government to reverse their so-called Family Farm Tax, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston condemned the damaging implications of the policy.
Mr Halcro Johnston said:
“Led by the Scottish Conservatives, Holyrood has sent a clear message to the UK Labour Government that their damaging Family Farm Tax must be reversed.
“Labour’s cuts to Agricultural Property Relief threaten the viability of thousands of family farms, undermining their ability to be passed down to future generations, syphoning off millions of pounds of potential investment from the sector, and jeopardising Scotland’s food security.
“Small family farms, which will be worst hit by this ill-considered policy by Labour ministers, are the backbone of our rural and island communities, playing a vital role in providing jobs and livelihoods, as well as supporting local economies through the wide supply chain.
“Labour’s approach shows a fundamental misunderstanding of agriculture, as well as the challenges our farmers and their families already face. That is why farmers across the Highlands and Islands are so worried and so angry.
“I stand firmly with my fellow farmers and will continue to fight to protect their livelihoods and for a sustainable future for our agricultural sector.
“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to put pressure on the Labour UK Government to u-turn on this deeply flawed policy before real damage to our farming sector is done”.
ENDS
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