THE MP for Torridge and West Devon has praised those who took part in the protests against the proposed changes to inheritance tax on agricultural land.

He also described the proposed changes by the Labour government as cruel and ideologically driven.

Geoffrey Cox, the MP for Torridge and West Devon said: “It was welcome to see farmers from across the country congregate in London to oppose the Labour government's cruel, ideologically driven policy to change Agricultural Property Relief. This policy will be a body blow to family farms and rural communities and a betrayal of Labour’s promises at the election that it would not cut the relief.

“If we are to believe that the government is serious about achieving food security, and developing sustainable means of farming, then clearly the government must urgently back down and reverse this policy that will cause havoc to our rural agricultural economy for generations.

“I was proud to receive many of Torridge and Tavistock's family farmers for a reception in Parliament. I heard their views on the impact this policy will have and why it must be urgently reversed if family farming in Devon is to remain a prime contributor to our rural economy.”