Carmichael meets with isles farmers in Westminster

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, today (19th November) met with Northern Isles farmers and NFUS representatives in Parliament to discuss issues impacting agricultural communities, as thousands of farmers came to Westminster to air their concerns over decisions made in the Budget.

Shetland farmer Cecil Eunson and Orkney farmer Colin Flett travelled from the isles to raise their concerns about a range of issues including in particular the potential impact of changes to agricultural property relief (APR) on inheritance tax to the future of farming.

Mr Carmichael said:

“That both Cecil and Colin were willing to make the not-inconsiderable trek from the isles to Parliament to raise their concerns about this Budget should go to show just how seriously farmers are taking this. Thousands of farmers have come to London from all corners of the country to make their voice heard – the government needs to start listening.

“Farming and crofting are at the heart of our island communities so this is simply not something that can be taken lying down. We need a proper rethink from our governments on how they support rural communities so that we can have confidence in our future.

“Farmers are already battling with sky-high energy bills and botched overseas trade deals, and this tax hike on family farms will only make things worse. I am urging the Government to change course.”