Support has been shown from across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire’s farming communities today with protesters travelling up to London by the bus-load in stance against the UK Labour Government’s controversial inheritance tax for farms - whilst solidarity has also been shown on the steps of the Welsh Senedd in Cardiff, with politicians putting on their wellies to make a stand.
The protest, led by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), was held in response to the UK Labour Government’s controversial budget, which includes a new mandate requiring inheritance tax to be paid on farms valued at over £1 million.
The proposed policy has provoked widespread concern within the agricultural sector, drawing farmers from across the UK to voice their opposition.
Farmers have travelled to the protest in London by the bus-load, with coaches organised by both farming unions and local communities.
An official NFU ‘mass-lobby’ event at a conference centre in Westminster was so oversubscribed that it has had to be split into several sessions, each accommodating 600 farmers.
Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for the farming community by standing in solidarity with the farming protests organised in London by wearing his wellingtons in the Senedd.
Speaking after joining Welsh Conservative colleagues on the Senedd steps to support the protest, Mr Kurtz said: “I was proud to stand on the Senedd steps alongside my Welsh Conservative colleagues to show our support for the farmers protesting in London.
“Growing up on my family farm, I have seen first-hand the challenges farmers face. This vindictive policy is not just a political issue for me—it’s personal.
“During the election campaign, Labour assured farmers that inheritance tax rules for farms would remain unchanged. Yet here we are, facing another broken promise.
“I call on the UK Labour Government to reconsider this damaging policy and give hope back to farmers who work tirelessly to feed the nation and care for our countryside.”
Mr Kurtz emphasised the potentially devastating impact of the proposed tax changes, warning that they could undermine the financial viability of family farms, many of which have been passed down through generations.
As the farming community continues to rally against the policy, Mr Kurtz reaffirmed his commitment to standing with farmers and ensuring their voices are heard at every level of government.
Video: ©BBCWales
The protest, led by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), was held in response to the UK Labour Government’s controversial budget, which includes a new mandate requiring inheritance tax to be paid on farms valued at over £1 million.
The proposed policy has provoked widespread concern within the agricultural sector, drawing farmers from across the UK to voice their opposition.
Farmers have travelled to the protest in London by the bus-load, with coaches organised by both farming unions and local communities.
An official NFU ‘mass-lobby’ event at a conference centre in Westminster was so oversubscribed that it has had to be split into several sessions, each accommodating 600 farmers.
Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for the farming community by standing in solidarity with the farming protests organised in London by wearing his wellingtons in the Senedd.
Speaking after joining Welsh Conservative colleagues on the Senedd steps to support the protest, Mr Kurtz said: “I was proud to stand on the Senedd steps alongside my Welsh Conservative colleagues to show our support for the farmers protesting in London.
“Growing up on my family farm, I have seen first-hand the challenges farmers face. This vindictive policy is not just a political issue for me—it’s personal.
“During the election campaign, Labour assured farmers that inheritance tax rules for farms would remain unchanged. Yet here we are, facing another broken promise.
“I call on the UK Labour Government to reconsider this damaging policy and give hope back to farmers who work tirelessly to feed the nation and care for our countryside.”
Mr Kurtz emphasised the potentially devastating impact of the proposed tax changes, warning that they could undermine the financial viability of family farms, many of which have been passed down through generations.
As the farming community continues to rally against the policy, Mr Kurtz reaffirmed his commitment to standing with farmers and ensuring their voices are heard at every level of government.
Video: ©BBCWales
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NewsTranscript
00:00So we're in our wellies. These weren't bought by Lord Ali, these were bought by me standing in
00:05solidarity with our farmers who are out protesting in London today against the changes to agricultural
00:12property relief. I wish I could be with you but unfortunately the Senate's sitting so I'm needed
00:16here in Cardiff but I'm thinking of you all keeping my fingers crossed that Starmer listens
00:20and he scraps the family farm tax. This inheritance tax could be the end of our farm and our family.
00:27I'm fighting for my future, for my son's future
00:33and it's more than just the inheritance tax, it's a number of things now
00:38over the past few years especially in Wales.
00:57Farmers also have to produce food for this country and they were very fond of standing
01:12on podiums and saying that food security you know should stand alongside energy security,
01:17should stand alongside our national security but yet when it comes to actually backing us
01:22in their policies they're doing anything but. With a bit of luck and a lot of good health I
01:26might be around for a few years to feed the MPs but my children will not be there to feed their children.