The DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Westminster spokesperson was speaking after this week’s meeting in Whitehall where government officials displayed zero empathy and blatantly refused to engage with farming unions and industry representatives.

“The Labour government’s reckless attack on farmers is nothing short of economic sabotage. The Chancellor’s decision to scrap historic Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) is a direct assault on family farms, risking the livelihoods of countless rural communities across the UK.

“This week’s long-awaited meeting was far from constructive. Those in attendance went armed with relevant facts and figures, and were prepared to offer the government an alternative tax raising option which wouldn’t decimate family farms or jeopardise the country’s future food security.”

Ms Lockhart added: “Unfortunately, Exchequer secretary James Murray, and DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner, weren’t in listening mode, and showed no interest in reaching a compromise on the pending ‘tax grab’. Farming leaders were left feeling patronised, betrayed, disappointed and very frustrated.

“Less than twelve months ago Labour’s manifesto described food security as national security. Even now, the government tries to proclaim its commitment to farmers remains steadfast, but its actions speak louder than words. They would rather fund foreign agriculture in places like Brazil and Kenya to the tune of £536 million than support the very people who feed this nation.

“The ill-thought-out tax policy announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in October, is a direct assault on family farms across the UK. The government claims the move is ‘fair and balanced’, but up to 75% of working farms will be hit with crippling tax bills, some running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Carla Lockhart MP continued: “In reality, thousands of small and medium-sized farm businesses will be unviable, thanks to huge tax obligations following the death of a loved one. This government could easily be likened to grave robbers. Mental health issues are on the rise, and elderly farmers are anxious and vulnerable, with many feeling they are a financial burden on the next generation.

 “Rachel Reeves failed to do an impact assessment of her policy changes. Since the budget announcement, the flawed figures have been widely challenged across the UK. The OBR, EFRA Select Committee, industry experts, government tax advisers and supermarkets have all questioned the Chancellor’s rationale. Labour party back benchers are starting to speak out in support of their rural constituents.

“Despite the escalating backlash, Sir Keir Starmer’s party continues to bury its head in the sand. I fully appreciate the Treasury faces difficult decisions, but biting the hand that feeds us isn’t the answer. Agriculture is key player in the UK economy.

“The Labour Party has treated farmers with utter contempt, and has declared an ideological war on the UK agriculture sector.  From the outset, farmers have rallied in their thousands, with 6,000 in Northern Ireland alone, protesting against this blatant cash grab.

“Protests, petitions, and farmer-led rallies across the country are gaining massive public support. On three occasions we’ve witnessed thousands of farmers, tractors and supporters gathering in London, but Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves refuse to find reverse gear.

“Last week, the Prime Minister’s ultimatum, urging the public to choose between locally produced and affordable food or NHS healthcare, was disgraceful. Eating fresh, nutritious, food will contribute to the health of the population. We need to safeguard our agri-food sector, not dismantle it.

“We’re all familiar with the term ‘reap what you sow’. Labour needs to listen, or it will go down in history as the party that turned its back on the very people who put high quality and nutritious food on our family tables.”