Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has welcomed unanimous support for a motion in the Assembly today calling on the British Government to reverse its tax on family farms.

Speaking in the chamber today, the party’s spokesperson for rural communities said:

“The British Government’s decision to impose punitive inheritance tax measures jeopardises the future of family farms and rural stability.

“Today, we stand together with the resilient farmers of the north who are enduring an unprecedented financial crisis, largely out of their control.”

Ms Murphy also spoke of the immense challenges faced by farmers and the work ongoing by Executive Ministers calling for these proposals to be stopped.

“Our farmers, despite all of the overwhelming challenges they currently face, continue to serve our communities, protecting food security and sustaining our local economy.

“Former Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald and First Minister Michelle O’Neill have raised this directly with the British Chancellor, demanding these proposals are scrapped.”

Finishing her remarks, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA called on the British Government to change course:

“I want to once again urge the British Government to listen to the farming community before irreparable damage is done. 

“We must protect family farms, ensure fairness in taxation, and support those who work tirelessly to feed our people.

“We stand united in solidarity with our farmers and will continue to fight for policies that protect and sustain them.”