Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: "I am no rebel—I am a moderate—but during the election, I read what I thought were assurances from my party that we had no plans to introduce changes to APR. On that basis, I reassured farmers in my constituency that we would not, and now I simply am not prepared to break my word."
A Labour MP has made a promise to farmers that he will listen and advocate for their interests on a wide range of issues including proposals to Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief (APR).
Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, met with farmers in his constituency for a roundtable discussion earlier this month regarding current challenges affecting British agriculture.
Hosted by Nature Friendly Farming Network members Nic and Paul Renison at their Aberdeen Angus cattle and poultry farm in Penrith, Mr Campbell-Savours heard from dairy, beef and sheep farmers about how Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Inheritance Tax changes could impact the sector.
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Alongside hearing issues regarding the need to improve agricultural run-off to improve water quality, the Labour MP said he would listen and advocate on behalf of farmers in Westminster.
Following the event, Ms Renison said: "It was a very open and honest discussion, with a proactive, positive and solutions-focused tone.
"It was important to hear different views and experiences to help unite the rural community in Cumbria.
"We were able to discuss the vital connection between food production and the environment - we cannot look after one without the other.
"We also talked about the pressing housing challenges that are preventing young people and new entrants from becoming farmers and settling in areas like this.
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"I am grateful that Markus took the time to listen and is keen to keep the conversation going."
Mr Campbell-Savours has already been outspoken about changes to Inheritance Tax, and how he 'could not break his word' on promises made to farmers prior to the General Election.
During the debate back in December, Mr Campbell-Savours said: "Let me be clear: if today was the real vote, I would vote against the Government's plans.
"I am no rebel - I am a moderate - but during the election, I read what I thought were assurances from my Party that we had no plans to introduce changes to APR.
"On that basis, I reassured farmers in my constituency that we would not, and now I simply am not prepared to break my word.
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"I am told that there is no Labour MP in the country with as many farms as I have in Penrith and Solway, and I hope my colleagues will understand my feelings on this."
However, the Cumbrian MP said farmers should not forget the 'broken promises' made by the Conservatives during their time in power.
"They made manifesto commitments for the public sector to buy British that never materialised, and they failed to spend flood prevention money that is desperately needed by my farmers on the Solway plain," he added.
"They failed to deliver reforms of Inheritance Tax rules that farmers knew were being abused by non-farmers at their expense.
"I simply will not walk into a lobby with people who talk a good game on farming but do not deliver.
"Their motion starts with the words, 'That this House regrets', yet 14 years of failure do not even get a whisper."
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