Standing Up for Family Farms with a Westminster Farming Conference

Today, I hosted a Farming Conference in Westminster to hear directly from farmers across Newbury, West Berkshire, and beyond about the challenges they are facing - not just as farmers, but as business owners working to keep their enterprises afloat.

Over 20 farmers attended alongside representatives from across the political spectrum, including MPs and staff from the offices of Rachel Gilmour, Jerome Mayhew, Victoria Atkins, Robbie Moore, Lizzie Collinge, John Whitby, and more. This was a powerful cross-party response to the pressures facing our rural communities.

We heard sobering evidence, including from a farmer who bravely shared that he had twice attempted suicide due to the overwhelming strain. It was a stark reminder of the very real human cost of the pressures farmers are under. Mental health support in the farming sector must be taken seriously.

It’s More Than Farming, It’s About Running a Business

We discussed the significant threat that proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR), Business Property Relief (BPR), and Inheritance Tax (IHT) pose to family-run farms and rural businesses. These are not just fields and tractors or faceless corporations, they are family-run businesses that provide jobs, sustain communities, and feed the nation.

Farmers told us these tax reforms could force families to sell assets or land, simply to cover new tax liabilities. While the Government claims these changes will only impact the wealthiest estates, from conversations I have had with farmers, it’s clear that this may not be the case.

There is Hope

With the Government’s recent U-turn on the Winter Fuel Allowance, there is fresh hope that with the right pressure and cross-party support, changes to the tax plans may still be shaped to protect family farms and rural businesses.

What Happens Next

This cross-party group will meet again soon to discuss the next steps and keep farmers' voices at the heart of the debate.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today.