It was great to visit Goathouse Farm in Southwick with the NFU - National Farmers' Union to see how they support our economy and our community. British farmers are the backbone of our country. Farmers are integral for our prosperity and security. I was astonished by Labour’s direct attack on farmers in the Budget which is why I have recently co-signed a letter to the Chancellor on this issue.
We wrote to the Chancellor to express our deep concern and urge an urgent reconsideration of the changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) announced in the Budget. The changes to these longstanding reliefs present serious and potentially devastating challenges to family farms across the United Kingdom and our nation’s food security.
Several farmers in Fareham & Waterlooville have expressed fears to me that this may well be the final straw. For them, selling out looks like the only viable option. This tax is more than a financial hit; it’s a potential death knell to a way of life, a blow to the rural economy, and a threat to food security in a time of global instability.
Rest assured; I will continue to be outspoken on this issue and stand up for our farming communities in Fareham & Waterlooville.
