The Strangford MLA, who sits on the Assembly Agriculture Committee, said:
“The Labour Government’s attitude in its meeting with farming unions from across the UK on the issue of inheritance tax was nothing short of disgraceful. The proposed changes will have a devastating impact on our model of family farming, which has sustained rural communities for generations. Nowhere will this be felt more acutely than in Northern Ireland, where land values mean that local farming families will be disproportionately hit.
It is a matter of deep regret that Labour has chosen to target farming in this way, showing no regard for the crucial role our farmers play in ensuring food security in an increasingly volatile world. Feedback from farming unions who attended the meeting makes it clear - this Government is not listening. The arrogance displayed, and the outright dismissal of genuine fears from the farming community, is unacceptable.
There are measures that could provide some relief - raising thresholds, considering the age of farmers who pass on their farms, or recognising cases where inheritance follows a farm accident fatality. But Labour is deaf to these concerns, showing no interest in solutions. Instead, they are deploying deplorable tactics, such as trying to pit farmers against the NHS in a deeply cynical move. It is shameful.
The DUP will continue to work with farmers to make the strongest possible case to protect our local industry. This campaign is far from over.”