Maldon MP, Sir John Whittingdale, met with farmers from his constituency on Tuesday to discuss Labour's Family Farm Tax.

The frustrated local farmers, from Maldon, Burnham, Purleigh and West Hanningfield, had come to Parliament as part of the NFU's Mass Lobby Event in Westminster on December 19th. 

The NFU, or the National Farming Union, encouraged members to head to London earlier this week, and meet with their MPs to "bring to life" the impacts of Labour's policy change on their farms, on British farming and on food supply.

Labour's Autumn Budget changes to Agricultural Property Relief means from April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million would be inheritance taxed at 20% - half the normal rate.

Sir John raised his concern about the impact of the Government's decision to restrict Agricultural Property Relief in his speech in the debate immediately following the Budget on October 31, highlighting the "enormous damage" the tax could have on farmers, food security and the environment.

Since then, he has joined with other MPs in campaigning to have the tax removed.

Sir John said: "I am grateful to the four farmers from my constituency who have come to Westminster to express their anger at this punitive tax. 

"Like so many, they made clear that unless it is reversed, it will be impossible for them to pass on their farms to the next generation and that they will have to cease farming. 

"This measure will destroy thousands of family farms resulting in a loss of jobs, a reduction in our food security and harm to the countryside and our environment. 

"I fully support the NFU's campaign to persuade the Government to drop this measure and will continue to press them at every opportunity to do so"

The Country Land and Business Association estimates the tax changes could harm 70,000 UK farms, whereas the Treasury suggests that number is only 500.