Local MP visits Parsonage Farm in Henham to discuss challenges facing farming community
Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, recently visited Parsonage Farm in Henham, an arable farm owned by the Pimblett family since 1902, to discuss the challenges facing the farming sector and the impact of Labour’s Family Farm Tax.
During the visit, Mrs Badenoch was hosted by Sam Pimblett and met with other local farmers affected by changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). They discussed how Parsonage Farm has adapted to government-led diversification schemes, including environmental initiatives, but farmers are now concerned that Labour’s tax changes will undermine their long-term viability.
Labour’s Family Farm Tax, introduced in the Autumn Budget 2024 and industry analysis suggests the tax could affect over 100,000 farms across England, despite Labour’s claim that fewer than 500 farms would be impacted.
Farmers at the meeting warned that the additional tax burden would increase financial strain, push up food prices, reduce food security, and threaten the future of family-run farms.
Mrs Badenoch pledged to continue leading the Conservative campaign to repeal the Family Farm Tax if returned to government.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
"Parsonage Farm is a brilliant example of the hard work and innovation of British farmers, and the Pimblett family with their 123 year history of farming in Henham show how important institutional memory is.
“Unfortunately Labour’s Family Farm Tax threatens their future. Once farmland is lost to development, it’s gone forever – damaging both the countryside and the nation’s food supply. Labour had the chance to support farmers by reversing this harmful policy, but they chose party politics over protecting rural livelihoods. Their betrayal of British farmers will not be forgotten.”
