Markus Campbell-Savours rebels over Chancellor’s family farm tax and faces suspension from Labour

Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours has been suspended from the party after voting against the Chancellor’s controversial family farm tax proposals. The MP for Penrith and Solway was the only Labour member to reject the changes, which would remove the inheritance tax exemption on farms worth more than £1 million.

The suspension has sparked a rift within the Labour Party, as more than 30 colleagues abstained from voting. Campbell-Savours, in his speech, raised concerns about the impact of the changes on farmers, particularly the elderly, who could be forced to sell land to pay tax bills. He emphasized his commitment to his constituency, stating that he was not prepared to break his promise to farmers.

“The changes to agricultural property relief (APR) will have devastating consequences for many farmers, especially the elderly, who are not ready to transfer assets,” Campbell-Savours explained. He made it clear that he was not willing to go back on his assurances to farmers during the election.

While over 300 MPs voted in favour of the measure, Campbell-Savours stood out as the only dissenting Labour voice, marking a significant political stand against the planned tax rise. The proposed 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets valued above £1 million has sparked outrage, with critics arguing that it threatens the survival of family-owned farms.

Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union, called on the Chancellor to reconsider, describing the policy as “unjust and unfair” to vulnerable farmers. He also urged the government to listen to the concerns raised by MPs like Campbell-Savours, who represent rural communities.

The rebellion highlights tensions within the Labour Party, with several backbench MPs also raising concerns. Henry Tuffnell and Samantha Niblett, who abstained from the vote, have been vocal in urging the government to reconsider the tax changes. They argue that many farmers live on low margins and that the tax could force them to sell their land, endangering their livelihoods.

The policy change has already led to protests, including a demonstration in London where five farmers were arrested after being denied permission to bring their tractors to Westminster. The protest underscored the anxiety and distress felt by many in the agricultural community, particularly following the tragic suicide of farmer John Charlesworth in November 2024, which his family attributed to the stress of the potential tax increase.

Graham Miles, an agricultural chaplain, has received numerous complaints from elderly farmers, some of whom have expressed feelings of despair, believing their families would be better off if they were no longer around. He has asked for a visit from the Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, but has yet to receive confirmation.

The government has expressed sympathy for the challenges faced by farmers, acknowledging the pressures on rural communities. A spokesperson stated that they are committed to supporting farmers, including through mental health support initiatives. However, the ongoing unrest among rural Labour MPs signals a deepening divide over how to manage the tax changes while ensuring the survival of Britain’s rural economy.

The rebellion over the family farm tax is far from over. As the new tax regime is set to take effect next April, the Labour Party faces mounting pressure to reconsider its stance, with growing concerns about the financial survival of family-owned farms across the country.