The closure of more than 6,000 farms in six months has been linked to Labour's tax policies, according to the Office for National Statistics. This unprecedented number highlights the rapid decline in fishing, forestry, and agriculture businesses since the recent Autumn Budget. Critics, including MPs and shadow cabinet members, argue that the increases in National Insurance contributions and taxes on family farms are driving rural businesses to the brink, creating job instability and impacting communities significantly. The rapid closure rate underscores a growing concern regarding Labour's understanding of rural needs.
"No government in modern history has done more damage to rural Britain than Labour is right now," Anderson said. "Farms are closing at twice the rate new ones are opening."
"The crippling NICs [National Insurance contributions] increases, alongside the family farm and family firm taxes, are destroying generational businesses, creating job instability and even leading to devastating suicides," she said.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that 6,365 fishing, forestry and agriculture businesses have closed since Rachel Reeve's 2024 Autumn Budget.
"These statistics prove that Labour do not understand our rural communities and our rural communities cannot afford Labour."
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