Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough slams Govt for “tone deaf” refusal to reverse family farm tax

Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, Tom Gordon, has slammed
the Government for refusing to listen to farmers, following reports that the Chancellor
does not plan to amend or repeal the damaging Family Farm Tax in next month’s
Budget. 

Tom has supported the rural community in their campaign to reverse this tax since it was first
introduced last year. Despite being warned that their policy could lead to a lost generation of
farmers, the Government has not budged. 

Over the past year, Tom has visited farms across Yorkshire to hear directly from the farming
community about the challenges they face and the opportunities ahead. He also attended
the Great Yorkshire Show and recently visited Fodder, a charity run by the Yorkshire
Agricultural Society. At every visit, the message has been clear: many see the family farm
tax as a hammer blow to an already struggling sector.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said: 

“This tone deaf decision is a kick in the teeth for British farmers in Yorkshire who are the
backbone of our rural community.

“It is foolish for the Government to continue with this tax that is causing immense damage to
farmers, food production and environmental stewardship.

“This is a missed opportunity from the Chancellor to use the Budget to show her support and
finally protect family farms after one of the worst harvests on record.

“As your Liberal Democrat MP, I will continue to lead the charge against this unfair tax hike,
to protect family farms across Yorkshire who are being taken for granted.”