Sir Gavin Williamson has joined the latest farmers rally (4th March 2025) to protest against Labour’s ‘Family Farms Tax.’
Attendees marched from Whitehall at around midday toward Parliament, as part of the ‘Pancake Day’ rally. The pancake has been used as a symbol to demonstrate the investment needed in agriculture to produce something as simple as a pancake.
Labour continue to plough ahead with a 20% inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1 million, essentially scrapping the exemption which removed tax when farms were passed down to family.
Sir Gavin has been inundated with correspondence from farmers across Staffordshire raising concerns regarding the future viability of their farms, the possibility of land sales, and stalling investment – potentially threatening job security and local economies.
The policy has also sparked serious anxiety regarding the future of domestic food production as well as restoring nature and tackling climate change.
Sir Gavin said: “Labour’s dereliction of duty to protect farmers and food security is continuing unashamedly without any sign of Ministers using their common sense.
“I have met hundreds of farmers across Staffordshire and they are unequivocally clear that Labour are threatening the future of farming in this country and it is taking a huge emotional toll on their wellbeing.
“I recently visited a farm in my constituency, where they have decided to pull the plug on investment worth millions. This is having a devastating impact on the local economy, supressing job opportunities, and creating conflict between family members who are concerned regarding their future livelihoods.
“I will continue to stand up for farmers and call on the Government to urgently remove this damaging tax to prevent further destruction to the farming industry.
