Scottish farmers and crofters are delivering letters today (21 November) to all 37 Scottish Labour MPs, calling on them to urgently urge the UK Treasury to change their proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) ahead of the UK Budget on 26 November. 

Coordinated by NFU Scotland, the campaign warns that the UK Government’s proposed reforms to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) would have devastating consequences for family farms, risking the breakup of long-standing rural businesses that underpin Scotland’s food production and rural economy. 

NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said: 

“These changes are a red line for Scottish agriculture. They would tear apart family farms built over generations, forcing families to sell land or assets just to pay the tax bill. That’s not reform – that’s ruin. We’re asking every Scottish Labour MP to speak to the Treasury, to stand up for rural livelihoods, and to help stop these proposals before they do irreversible damage.” 

In their letters, farmers share their own experiences and fears, describing how uncertainty around the proposals has already halted investment and raised serious questions about the future of generational farming. 

Many farmers are calling for the Treasury to explore alternative revenue options that would deliver fiscal benefits without threatening the viability of family-run farms. NFU Scotland has been working closely with the other UK farming unions to oppose the measures, which have already sparked significant public concern and parliamentary debate. The Union stresses that the proposals are out of step with the government’s stated aims on food security, rural growth, and generational renewal in farming. 

Hugh Broad, one of the farmers delivering a letter, said: “These proposed tax changes would destroy the family farms that feed Scotland. As a farmer, I’m delivering this letter as a plea for our future, and we urge Scottish Labour MPs to act before it’s too late.” 

ENDS 

Notes to editors: 

• A photograph of Jamie, Murray and Anna Patrick is attached. 

Contact Megan Williams on 07920018619