WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin repeated her support for local farmers and the rural economy during a meeting with a delegation of county farmers.
The MP met with local farmers at Eastham, near Tenbury Wells, including owners of family farms which are at serious risk with the implementation of changes in Inheritance Tax.
The tax changes were introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Budget last October.
Previously farms and assets could be passed down through generations whilst avoiding tax hits through Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
Now farms and assets will be taxed at 20 per cent on any value of property over £1 million, which is payable over a 10 year period. There is a £3 million threshold for married couples or those in civil partnerships.
Dame Harriett pledged to keep lobbying the Government to reverse the policy and urged farmers to carry on speaking to Labour MPs representing rural areas.
Dame Harriett said: “The farming community is at the heart of the rural economy and I have pledged to do what I can to speak up for their long-term future.
“Having spoken to farmers, I am hearing clear messages that they are reducing investment in things like farm machinery and fruit growers are starting to stop replacing their trees.
“Throughout this decade the importance of food security has become increasingly obvious, and I simply don’t think the present Labour Government understands farming or where their food comes from.
“I want to protect farming and farmers for generation to come and I’m really worried that they are being driven out of business with Inheritance Tax changes on the horizon which I would vote to reverse if returned to Government.
“I urged the National Farmers Union to keep lobbying hard and I will continue to be a strong voice for the rural community in Parliament.”
