She said: “Despite extensive engagement, strong and relentless representations from the agricultural sector and clear warnings from farmers across the United Kingdom, the proposal passed by 327 votes to 182.

Ms Lockhart, the DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson added: “The Labour government remains defiant and has chosen to ignore serious and legitimate industry concerns. While around 40 Labour MPs abstained, signalling rebellion and growing unease on their own benches, the decision by the Labour leadership to press ahead regardless is profoundly troubling.

“The subsequent suspension of backbencher Markus Campbell-Savours MP for speaking out against the changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) further exposes deep divisions within the party. I have reached out to Markus to commend him for his stance and to offer my full support. His concerns reflect those of countless farming families, particularly elderly farmers and those who are terminally ill, who now face devastating uncertainty as they attempt to plan the transfer of their farm assets.

“It is even more disappointing that several of Northern Ireland’s elected representatives failed to register their opposition to what is, in effect, a ‘death tax’ on family farms. Unionist MPs stood united against the Chancellor’s tax grab, recognising the long-term damage it will inflict. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance MPs either abstained or did not attend, despite the serious implications for rural communities and the continued viability of generational farming.”

The MP added: “The reckless changes, due to be implemented in April 2026, represent a significant threat to family farms across the UK. They risk undermining the agricultural foundations on which our food security, rural economy and community life depend. This is a moment of real concern for those who work the land, and it is deeply regrettable that the Labour Government has chosen to press ahead in the face of such clear and heartfelt warnings.”



Concluding, Carla Lockhart said: ”We must keep fighting for our livelihoods, our communities and our country’s future. Mutiny within the Labour Party is a welcome development, and we must work on that ahead of the next stages of the Finance Bill, which will likely take place after Christmas. It’s going to be difficult, but we need to put forward amendments to the bill, and hopefully, gain support from Labour backbenchers and full backing from all of Northern Ireland’s elected MP’s.