Andrew is calling on Labour’s Treasury Minister, James Murray MP, to apologise after his shockingly blunt reply to a question about the new ‘Family Farm Tax’.
Small-scale farmers across Fylde, Lancashire and beyond are reeling after being hit with a bombshell response from Labour's Exchequer Secretary, James Murray, following a query raised by Andrew Snowden, Fylde's Conservative MP.
The new "Family Farm Tax," relates to reforms to agricultural property relief unveiled in the Autumn Budget by new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. The changes mean inherited farms may now face inheritance tax rates of up to 20% on assets exceeding £1 million, prompting fears of financial ruin for family-run farms struggling to stay afloat.
In a response to Andrew Snowden's Written Parliamentary Question about guidance for small farmers wishing to keep their farms in the family, Murray’s reply to him was blunt: "Individuals will need to consider their own circumstances and may wish to speak to a tax advisor or accountant."
The remark has sparked outrage among farmers and rural communities, who see it as yet another example of Labour being out of touch with the realities of rural life.
Andrew Snowden, known for standing up for Fylde’s rural communities, said:
"This is an insult to hard-working farmers who are the backbone of Britain. This Labour Minister from London knows nothing about rural life. His policy leaves farming families in limbo, forcing them to shell out for accountants just to navigate their own survival. It’s another slap in the face for rural Britain."
The Treasury insists that nearly three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief in 2026-27 will be unaffected, highlighting existing allowances that enable couples to pass up to £3 million tax-free. However, critics argue these reforms disproportionately hurt smaller farms, driving them to financial advisors instead of focusing on growing their businesses.
For Fylde's farmers, many of whom have cultivated their land for generations, this so-called “guidance” is far from reassuring.
Andrew added,
‘Farmers are left wondering: Can we really put a price on preserving Britain’s countryside heritage? I will continue to fight for Fylde’s Farmers and call on the Government to reverse this dreadful decision.“
