Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours has been suspended after rebelling against the government’s plans to impose an inheritance tax on farmers. The backbencher voted against the measures in the Commons, expressing “deep concerns” about their impact on farmers. Chief whip Jonathan Reynolds informed him of the whip removal on Wednesday, according to a Labour source.
Dozens of Labour MPs abstained from the vote, which saw the government’s plans approved by 327 votes to 182, a majority of 145. The National Farming Union (NFU) had called on Labour MPs to abstain and “show that they truly back the working people of the countryside”. Backbenchers argued that most farmers are “not wealthy land barons” and said the measure failed to tackle “abuse by the celebrities and the billionaires” who buy farmland to avoid paying full inheritance tax.
Speaking in the Commons Budget debate, Mr Campbell-Savours said: “There remain deep concerns about the proposed changes to agricultural property relief (APR)… Many farmers feared this was coming. Some transferred in advance. Others contacted Labour candidates who reassured them… that APR would not be touched. I was one of those Labour candidates, and it’s for that reason I’ll be voting against the Budget resolution.” He added he wanted to be able to walk around his community “knowing I did all I could for them”.
Treasury minister James Murray insisted the changes were a “fair way forward”. The Budget introduced a 20 per cent rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than £1m, with a £1m allowance transferable between spouses. However, the farming community has fiercely opposed the changes since they were proposed last year.
This is not the first time Labour MPs have been suspended for rebelling. Last month, four MPs—Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell—had the whip restored after being suspended for voting against Labour’s benefits reforms. Ms Maskell claimed she had been suspended for “standing up for my constituents”.
