The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has welcomed the government's decision to amend proposed changes to the family farm inheritance tax.
Tom Gordon MP has welcomed the government’s decision to amend proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), describing it as a necessary U-turn that will better protect family farms.
The change follows months of sustained pressure from farmers, growers, the NFU and MPs across Parliament, who warned that the original proposals risked doing serious harm to family-run farms and rural communities.
Tom said:
“This is a welcome and important U-turn. Farmers across Harrogate and Knaresborough were clear with me from the outset that the original proposals would have put family farms at risk and placed unfair pressure on the next generation.
"Harrogate is home to the Great Yorkshire Show, England’s largest agricultural show, and that reflects just how central farming and rural life are to our local identity.
"I have met with farmers locally and across Yorkshire, listening directly to their concerns about the future of family farming and long-term succession. Those conversations made clear that the original approach was not right, and I am pleased the government has now listened.”
He added:
“This change brings the policy much closer to protecting genuine family farms. It also shows the importance of farmers speaking up and organisations like the NFU making the case clearly and constructively.
"Put simply, without farmers there is no food, and food security is national security. Supporting British farming is not just about rural livelihoods, it is about resilience, self-sufficiency and the long-term security of the country.
"I will continue to work with local farmers and farming organisations to ensure future decisions support food security, rural jobs and the long-term health of British agriculture.”
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators
Harrogate recycling firm tips forecasts with £16.5m turnover despite tough trading
Cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre increases by more than £2m
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned
Call for decision on Maltkiln masterplan to be delayed
Ripon pupils raise over £9,000 for Parkinson's charity
Harrogate Fundraiser to share story of 9,000-mile unsupported bike ride to the himalayas
Harrogate pupils achieve distinctions across the board in drama exams
Harrogate hospital shortlisted for two national awards
Hampsthwaite school goes red to support children’s heart charity
Harrogate Convention Centre upgrade reaches new milestone
Harrogate IT company visits local school to educate pupils on sustainability
Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver nominated for Manager of the Month
Harrogate swimmer awarded prestigious scholarship
Call for volunteers to tackle litterbugs in clean-up campaign
Harrogate's Turkish Baths named 'Day Spa of the Year'
Police appeal after racially offensive drawings made in Harrogate
Popular Harrogate music festival shortlisted for national award
Saint Michael's first ever 10km run raises £50,000
Harrogate's Lottie McGuinness wins bronze at European Championships
