Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary Samuel Kurtz MS has criticised both the UK Labour Government and the Welsh Labour Government for their continued refusal to support farmers by scrapping planned changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), known as the “family farm tax”.
The UK Labour Government has confirmed it will not reverse its proposal to reform Agricultural Property Relief under Inheritance Tax, a move that farming leaders warn could threaten the future of family farms across Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom.
Mr Kurtz said the refusal to change course showed a deep disconnect between Labour and rural communities:
“This family farm tax will be devastating for Welsh farmers. Generations of family run farms could be forced to sell land or break up holdings just to meet inheritance tax bills. It is an attack on the very fabric of rural Wales.”
He added that farmers were already facing immense pressures from rising costs, uncertain markets and changes to agricultural policy, and that this new tax burden could be the final straw for many.
“Labour in Westminster has made it clear they do not understand rural life. But what is worse is that Labour in Cardiff Bay will not even condemn this reckless policy. Their silence speaks volumes."
Mr Kurtz also criticised Welsh Labour Members of Parliament for failing to convince their own government to change its mind, saying their inability to stand up for Welsh farmers shows how ineffective they have become.
“Our family farms are the backbone of rural Wales. They sustain communities, protect our landscape and feed our nation. They deserve support, not punishment.”
