Adam Dance MP joins Somerset farmers in Whitehall and calls for Government to scrap Family Farm Tax

Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, has joined Somerset farmers at a rally in Whitehall to show support for the farming community and urge the Government to scrap changes to Agricultural Property Relief. Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on Inheritance Tax on Monday (10th Feb), Adam raised concerns from local farmers in South Somerset who fear they could lose their family farms and livelihoods due to the changes.

Highlighting the real-life impact, Adam told Parliament:

"I've had farmers in my constituency of Yeovil tell me that the Government’s changes to Agricultural Property Relief have damaged their mental health, with some even considering taking their own lives."

He called on Ministers to reverse the damaging policy, invest in proper rural mental health services, and establish a National Working Group on suicide prevention focused on agricultural and veterinary occupations.

Adam’s intervention follows strong public support from the local community. A petition opposing the changes to inheritance tax was signed by 407 Yeovil constituents, demonstrating the deep concerns felt by South Somerset’s farming families.

The issue was also a major focus of Adam’s recent Farming Forum, attended by 40 farmers and rural leaders, where farmers spoke about the extreme pressures they face—from unfair supermarket pricing to rising costs and increasing red tape.

Speaking after the debate, Adam Dance MP said:

"Farming is the backbone of our rural economy, but instead of supporting them, this Government is making their lives harder. The changes to Agricultural Property Relief are devastating for family farms and have pushed some farmers to breaking point. Instead of worsening the mental health crisis in farming, the Government should be addressing it."

He added: "I will continue to stand up for our farmers in Parliament and push for real action to protect their livelihoods and mental health."