Conservative MSP Douglas Ross used last week's Scottish Farmer front page in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (November 13), as a stark reminder of how Labour tax changes could hammer Scottish agriculture.
In a debate at Holyrood, the SNP, Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives voiced strong concerns about Rachel Reeves’ budget which saw a cut to Agricultural Property Relief, ‘Barnetisation’ of the Agriculture Budget and an increase in pick-up vehicle taxes.
Despite Labour and the Greens trying to vote it down, the Scottish Parliament passed the Scottish Conservative motion urging Labour to scrap their cruel family farm tax.
— Douglas Ross MSP (@Douglas4Moray) November 13, 2024
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In particular, the cut to relief on agricultural and business property for inheritance tax was recognised as a threat to the future of farming and food security in Scotland, with rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon concurring with a call for the UK Government to undertake and publish impact assessments on the cumulative impact of its budget proposals on farmers and crofters in Scotland.
Douglas Ross held a Scottish Farmer aloft in the chamber, saying: "The Scottish Farmer's front page this week is very clear, 'fight for our future', well that's what the Scottish Conservatives are doing, fighting for the future of our farmers, our crofters and our future farmers and crofters, and tonight, the Scottish Parliament can add its voice to that to that, unite behind the motion from Tim Eagle, the amendment from the SNP cabinet secretary and send the strongest possible message to this Labour government.
"They need to listen to Scottish farmers, the countryside here in Scotland and across the UK, and u-turn on this dangerous policy."
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