Charlie Dewhirst, Member of Parliament for Bridlington and The Wolds, has shared his support as thousands of tractors and rural supporters came to Westminster once again to protest Labour’s devastating Family Farm Tax. On Monday 10th February, Dewhirst stood in solidarity with the farming community, joining the demonstration on Whitehall before taking the fight to Parliament as MPs debated a petition against the tax policies.
Speaking at the event, Charlie Dewhirst MP said:
I was pleased to join farmers and their supporters on Whitehall before we debated the issue in Parliament in response to a Government e-petition signed by more than 150,000 people, including nearly 500 in our local area.
Labour’s reckless tax proposals threaten the future of family farms, undermine rural livelihoods, and risk our food security. The strength of opposition from the countryside could not be clearer. Farmers are the backbone of our rural economy, and we won’t stand by as Labour pushes through policies that risk destroying generations of hard work.’
The petition (‘e-petition 700138 relating to Inheritance Tax relief for working farms’) triggered a parliamentary debate, highlighting widespread outrage at Labour’s proposed changes to tax relief on agricultural land. Concerns have been raised that these changes would force family-run farms to sell off land or face financial ruin, driving small producers out of business.
Charlie Dewhirst MP reaffirmed his commitment to the countryside, adding: “We will keep making the case against Labour’s destruction of our rural economy, and we will not back down. The message from farmers and MPs from across the House is loud and clear: stop this disastrous policy.”
The fight against Labour’s Family Farm Tax continues, with Charlie Dewhirst MP pledging to work alongside farmers, industry leaders, and rural communities to make sure their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.
