Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, met with farmers from his constituency who had come to Parliament as part of the NFU’s Mass Lobby Event in Westminster on Tuesday 19th November.
Sir John raised his concern about the impact of the Government’s decision to restrict Agricultural Property Relief in his speech in the debate immediately following the Budget on 31st October:
Income tax (charge) – Hansard – UK Parliament
Since then, he has joined with other MPs in campaigning to have his destructive tax removed.
Sir John said: “I am grateful to the 4 farmers from my constituency who have come to Westminster to express their anger at this punitive tax. Like so many, they made clear that unless it is reversed, it will be impossible for them to pass on their farms to the next generation and that they will have to cease farming. This measure will destroy thousands of family farms resulting in a loss of jobs, a reduction in our food security and harm to the countryside and our environment. I fully support the NFU’s campaign to persuade the Government to drop this measure and will continue to press them at every opportunity to do so”
Sir John is pictured in Westminster Hall with constituents:
Paul and Sam Tallowin of Chigborough Farm, Maldon
Martin Smith of Burnham Wick Farm, Burnham on Crouch
Robert Stacey of Tinsley Farm, West Hanningfield
Gavin Strathern of Spar Hill Farm, Purleigh
