Keir Starmer looked farmers in the eye and told them Labour would respect British farmers; this promise has been comprehensively broken by his Family Farm Tax.
The tax is the wrong decision and is going to have a huge impact on many of the excellent local farmers we have in our community.
Last week I met with some of our farmers locally to discuss the impact of the Budget announcement, and I saw many of them again this week on the day of national protest against the measures.
In uncertain times, we should strengthen domestic food production, not undermine it. Farming families are the backbone of our food supply, yet this tax risks driving many out of the industry, leaving us dependent on imports and vulnerable to global disruptions. Over time, this could permanently reduce productive farmland, altering our countryside. Once that land is lost, it is gone for good.
But it isn’t just the inheritance tax changes that are concerning farmers. On top of this there are the employer NIC increases, taxes changes, and issues and uncertainties around farming grants.
I am very grateful for the time local farmers took with me to talk through all the issues, I will continue to stand firmly against this tax and champion farmers in Parliament. Supporting British farming is a national priority, and farms are an integral part of our community here in Sevenoaks.
In sad news, I must today mark the passing of the brilliant Richard Parry, who died suddenly last week.
Richard was a Sevenoaks Town Councillor for 24 years and a County Councillor for Sevenoaks West for 12 years. Others will speak of the brilliant work he carried out in support of the town of Sevenoaks, not least the crucial role he played in helping to save The Stag during his leadership of the Town Council, when it took over the running of theatre after its doors had closed. But I want to remember today the warm, kind family man who, as President of the local Sevenoaks Conservative Association made me so very welcome when I was first selected to be the candidate for Sevenoaks & Swanley.
Richard had time for everyone, always asking people how they were, or asking after their families. I valued his advice, but most of all his friendship. He will be sorely missed by his wife Rachel, his family and all that knew him, who are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
