Carmichael joins farming union leaders at NFU London Conference

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today [25 February] met with farmers from across the UK at the National Farmers’ Union London Conference to discuss their concerns about the future of farming. Joining delegates at the conference, Mr Carmichael discussed the widespread concerns in the rural community about the impact of changes to farm inheritance tax as well as other issues facing the sector, and viewed the thousands of “pre-loved” farm toys brought to London, donated by NFU members from across the country to represent the family connection to farms. 

Mr Carmichael is Chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. 

Speaking after the conference, Mr Carmichael said:

“This was a positive and constructive event on the part of the farming unions. They are making their voice heard on the issues that matter to rural communities – particularly on the changes to inheritance tax on family farms.

“I have said it before and I say it again today, it doesn’t have to be like this. If the government really wants to crack down on the super-rich sheltering their wealth then there are ways of doing that without laying waste to the rural economy and driving a coach and horses through any notion of food security.  

“Even now, the government will find willing partners in the farming community in constructing these solutions. We need an informed and respectful dialogue between industry and government.  Having backed farmers into a corner, the first move has got to come from government – but we still have yet to see that.”