I am extremely concerned by the Government’s announcement in the Budget to make changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) which is being referred to as the Family Farm Tax.
The testing of products and medicines on animals has always been an emotive topic and one on which many people hold extremely strong views. Because of the national consensus that animals ought to be treated with dignity and respect, this is rightly an area that is heavily regulated.
The previous Government introduced a new duty system in 2023 which was the biggest reform of duties for more than 140 years and was based on common sense principles of applying duty based on the strength of alcohol to simplify the duty system for businesses and meet public health objectives.
The last Government decided, before publishing its consultation in 2023, to not to seek views on recommendations to align shotgun and firearms legislation.
Every child deserves the opportunity to lead a safe and fulfilling life, and I welcome the child protection measures in the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill that have clear merit.
Farming provides valuable income and jobs to rural communities such as ours, and I agree that supporting the growth of the sector must remain a key component of the Government’s priority of growing the economy.
