Labor has faced anger over a brutal tax raid that “destroyed” British farms while delivering hundreds of millions of pounds in support to foreign farmers. [emphasis, links added]
Britain's aid budget is funneling huge sums of money to farmers in Africa, Asia and South America, an investigation has found.
More than £536 million has been spent on ten projects overseas, including grants to promote low-carbon agricultural practices in Brazil, the world's 11th richest country.
Another scheme worth more than £16m, Designed to help new farmers in Rwanda produce tea for the first time.
Shadow cabinet minister Robert Jenrick criticizes Labor “Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on foreign farmers while British livelihoods are destroyed by cruel inheritance tax reforms.”
“For many British farmers this feels like a slap in the face. It's not too late for Starmer to listen, admit he made a big mistake and actually deliver on the promises he made at the election .
Conservative MP Greg Smith, who represents rural central Buckinghamshire, said the news was “completely outrageous”. “Another absurdity of this Labor government”.
He added: “It’s incredible that they are trying to claim they are on the side of British farmers while introducing a cruel family farm tax, raising the cost of fertilizer and now directly funding foreign farmers.”
Just last month, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office launched a new fund UK taxpayers provide £24m cash to Kenya and other countries to help build profitable businesses This contributes to food security in rural areas, drives economic growth and creates jobs and income.
This contrasts with claims by Chancellor Rachel Reeves that inheritance tax raids endanger Britain's food security and will damage the rural economy.
Environment Secretary Steve Reid insisted farmers remain the “backbone of Britain” and announced £5bn of investment in agriculture over the next two years – the largest amount ever spent on sustainable food production.
Net zero emissions in Africa appear to be more important to this government than the traditional British landscape.
Taxpayers Alliance study sparks backlash Ms Reeves decided to introduce an inheritance tax on family farms in the UK, a move the Treasury said would raise £520m a year.
UK Reform Party leader Nigel Farage demands The government “puts British farmers first” and called foreign aid spending a “disgrace”.
He said: “It's a shame that British family farms are facing bankruptcy as a result of Labour's tax plans, while at the same time we are proposing to spend even more money – £536 million – on foreign farms.”
“Net zero emissions in Africa appear to be more important to this government than the traditional British landscape.”
Joanna Marchon, investigative campaigns manager at the Taxpayers Alliance, warned: “British farmers will be angry to hear that foreign farmers receive more support from the government than they do.
“Labour's announcement of a rise in inheritance tax will see many farmers lose their livelihoods and generational farms. All for pennies.
“Reeves should cut funding for overseas farms and focus on supporting British farmers who contribute directly to their communities and our county’s food security.”
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