Helen addresses a packed meeting of local farmers over Family Farm Tax

Helen Morgan has met with local farmers to discuss the impact that Labour’s ‘Family Farm Tax’ will have on their businesses.

At a packed meeting in Hordley, near Ellesmere, farmers voiced their fears about changes to inheritance tax, which could force many family-run farms to sell off land or shut down entirely.

The event came days after Helen outlined her opposition to the changes in a Parliamentary debate as tractors gridlocked Westminster in protest against the Government.

The Treasury has acknowledged that 28% of farms could be affected by the changes, which equates to nearly 300 farms in North Shropshire alone. The Liberal Democrat MP has labelled the plans an ‘anti-farming policy’ that unfairly penalises those who work hard to produce British food.

North Shropshire ranks in the top 10 constituencies nationwide for the number of people calling on the Government to scrap the tax, with more than 700 local residents signing a petition opposing the reforms.

Farmers at the meeting shared their deep concerns over the financial strain the tax changes could impose, with many pointing out that family farms operate on tight margins and often pass through generations. They warned that increasing tax burdens could lead to the loss of local food production and the erosion of rural communities.

The small and medium agriculture businesses that dominate North Shropshire are already under severe pressure after years of neglect by a Conservative government which signed flawed trade deals and botched changes to support payments.

Helen also discussed the importance of ensuring young farmers are supported, arguing that inheritance tax reforms should help rather than hinder the next generation’s ability to carry on farming. Many attendees expressed frustration at what they see as a failure by the Government to understand the realities of running a farm.

The MP further criticised the policy’s lack of consultation with the farming community, calling for immediate action to prevent lasting damage to North Shropshire’s agricultural sector. She reiterated the need for policies that support rural businesses and promote food security, rather than threatening their viability.

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said, “Labour’s Family Farm Tax punishes the people who work so hard to produce British food and must be cancelled. Nearly 300 farms in North Shropshire alone will be impacted by the changes.

“It was good to meet many farmers in Hordley who are determined to fight the Family Farm Tax and to hear the strength of rural opinion on this topic.

"I will always stand up for our farmers and agricultural sector, which is the backbone of our rural economy.”