NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon stood atop a combine harvester in London yesterday to address an estimated 10,000-strong crowd protesting against UK Government inheritance tax proposals.
The Pancake Day rally, organised by farmer Olly Harrison, saw Connon joined by fellow NFU Scotland Board Members John Kerr, Jamie Wyllie, and Mark Donald, as they voiced concerns over the potential harm to family farming businesses.
Connon stood alongside fellow UK farming union presidents, delivering a passionate speech highlighting the damage these tax changes could inflict on rural communities.
NFU Scotland used the rally to meet with Scottish Conservative MPs Harriet Cross and Andrew Bowie, as well as Scottish Labour MPs including Lillian Jones, Alan Gemmell, Joani Reid, Imogen Walker, Euan Stainbank, Chris Kane, and Irene Campbell.
Since his election in early February, Connon has been a frequent visitor to Westminster, lobbying tirelessly on the issue.
Last week, NFU Scotland engaged with Labour’s Richard Baker, SNP’s Seamus Logan, Conservative MP Harriet Cross, Wendy Chamberlain of the Liberal Democrats, and DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner.
This week, Connon personally emailed all Scottish Labour MPs to highlight an alternative taxation proposal backed by UK farming unions, which would raise Treasury revenue without threatening family farms.
Next week, NFU Scotland’s newly elected leadership team, including Vice Presidents Duncan Macalister and Robert Neill, will meet with Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar to continue discussions.
NFU Scotland is also rallying member support, urging farmers to contact their MPs using a template letter outlining industry concerns and calling for engagement with the sector.
The letter is available on the NFU Scotland website, and members are encouraged to press their MPs on the issue.
Speaking after the rally, Connon thanked organiser Olly Harrison and praised the farmers who took time away from their work to make their voices heard.
He reiterated the deep concerns surrounding the proposed tax changes, calling on the UK Government to rethink its approach.
“This tax, as it stands, will be detrimental to family farms and rural businesses,” Connon stated.
“The UK Government must listen to our farmers and crofters and engage with farming unions on the alternative solutions we have presented.”
