West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has repeated her support for farmers after a series of blows in this week’s Budget.

The Government has made no provision to replace the schemes set in place in the last Parliament to financially help farmers and the Chancellor launched a raid on farmers homes by changing Inheritance Tax regulations.

The changes will mean that inherited family farms may need to be split up to pay Inheritance Tax bills.

Dame Harriett said:

“I have always been a friend of the farming community and this week’s Budget shows just how little regard the Labour party has for those who produce the food on our tables.

“Once again, we see the politics of envy in action as the Government seeks to strip assets from families who have managed the land for many generations.

“I’ve already heard clear feedback from farmers about the shock they feel about this latest blow to their livelihoods. Food security is a matter of huge national importance and yet the word ‘farm’ only made it into the budget six times.

“I plan to share my concerns with the relevant Minister and I am meeting with local farmers representatives shortly where I am sure this matter will be discussed at length.”