A Labour MP’s Stand Against the Government’s Proposed Farm Tax

Introduction: Henry Tufnell Speaks Out

Henry Tufnell, the newly elected Labour MP for South and Mid-Pembrokeshire, has publicly expressed his opposition to the government’s proposed farm tax, which he believes will unfairly penalize small farms in rural communities. Tufnell, along with other Labour colleagues, has raised concerns with Treasury ministers, arguing that the decision to levy inheritance tax on farms worth over £1 million will not only affect wealthy landowners but also smaller, family-run farms. This tax change, announced by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves during last year’s budget, is set to take effect in April 2026 and has sparked widespread backlash from farmers, supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl, and even the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which warns it could hinder economic growth.

The Heart of the Issue: Farmers’ Concerns and Protests

The proposed removal of Agricultural Property Relief has ignited a wave of protests across the UK, with farmers gathering in central London to voice their opposition. The tax change has been criticized for threatening food security and the livelihoods of rural communities. Tufnell, who represents a rural constituency, has called for the tax threshold to be raised and for an amnesty or transition period to help older farmers pass on their farms to their children without incurring hefty taxes. He emphasized the importance of protecting the fabric of rural society, stating, "Farmers are critical not just for the government’s growth agenda but also for hitting its environmental targets."

A Broken Election Promise? Tufnell’s Personal Connection to the Issue

Tufnell’s stance on the issue has drawn attention due to his personal connection to farming. His parents own a 2,200-acre farm in Gloucestershire, worth an estimated £20 million, and it was revealed that a portion of the land had been transferred to his brother before the budget announcement. This transaction could potentially avoid inheritance tax if his father lives for another seven years. Tufnell has denied any prior knowledge of the tax change, calling it "completely preposterous" to suggest he would have known about it in advance. During his election campaign, he had assured constituents that no changes to inheritance tax were planned, which has led some to question whether this represents a broken promise.

Opposition Within the Labour Party: A Growing Backlash

Tufnell is not alone in his concerns; he is one of several Labour MPs speaking out against the tax changes. A group of around 30 rural Labour MPs has reportedly met with Treasury ministers to express their concerns. Steve Witherden, MP for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, described the policy as "the straw that broke the camel’s back," while Marcus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, announced his intention to vote against the plans unless significant amendments are made. This growing rebellion within the Labour Party highlights the deepening divide over the tax changes and the potential challenges the government may face when the policy comes to a vote in the coming months.

The Argument Against the Tax: Fairness and Food Security

Critics of the tax change argue that it unfairly targets family farms and could lead to a concentration of land ownership among wealthier individuals. The National Farmers Union has dismissed the government’s claim that only the top 7% of farms will be affected, arguing that tens of thousands of farms could be impacted. Tufnell has acknowledged that tax avoidance is an issue but insists that the current policy risks "artificially inflating the price of land" and punishing honest farmers. He has called for the government to engage with farming unions to find a fairer solution, emphasizing that the issue is not about his own family’s interests but about standing up for his constituents.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Farm Tax Debate

As the debate over the farm tax intensifies, the government faces increasing pressure to rethink its approach. With opposition growing within the Labour Party and widespread protests from rural communities, the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief have become a defining issue for many MPs. Tufnell’s advocacy for a higher threshold and a transition period reflects the broader concerns of farmers who feel their way of life is under threat. The coming months will be crucial as the government decides whether to push ahead with the tax changes or heed the warnings of those who fear the consequences for rural communities and food security.