Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 13 November 2024
13 Nov 2024 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs (Farms)
Thank you, Presiding Officer.
Let me be clear that very few family farms are worth in excess of several million pounds. Indeed, the latest figures show that, across the UK, the top 7 per cent—the largest 117 claims—account for 40 per cent of the total value of agricultural property relief. That shows that it is not all farms; it is the minority.
The Labour Party will put the public finances on a secure footing and that means tough decisions. The £22 billion black hole left in this year’s budget alone has had devastating consequences for the country.
We also need to recoup some of the billions of pounds given to the Tory cronies during Covid. [Interruption.] While citizens followed the rules, the Tories splurged, lining the pockets of their pals, and partied into the night. [Interruption.] Their arrogance is breathtaking.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The next item of business is a debate on motion S6M-15400, in the name of Tim Eagle, on reversing the family farm tax. I invite those members who wish to spe...
Tim Eagle (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I refer members to my entry in the register of members’ interests, which states that I am a farmer and a former land agent. Those interests are particularly ...
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands (Mairi Gougeon)
SNP
I welcome the fact that we are having this debate, and I appreciate Tim Eagle’s contribution and his bringing his personal experience to the chamber. I wan...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
I am slightly puzzled by the cabinet secretary’s concern about the ring fence being removed. Surely there is nothing to prevent her from putting that ring fe...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
My point is that we should not be in this position because of decisions that have been taken by the UK Government. The Scottish Government will continue to d...
Mairi Gougeon
SNP
I am drawing to a close. The UK Government must acknowledge that its handling of the matter has been a boorach. It should recognise the need to review the c...
Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
I cannot believe the brass neck of the Tories. They trash the economy and leave others to clean up the mess, and then they shamelessly complain. From Liz Tru...
Finlay Carson (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con)
Con
What would Rhoda Grant say to my constituent Kenny Campbell, who has just invested over £1 million in a new dairy but is a cancer survivor? If he were to die...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I can give you back your time, Ms Grant.
Rhoda Grant
Lab
I would say to Mr Campbell that he needs to put his affairs in order to make sure—Interruption.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Members!
Rhoda Grant
Lab
He needs to make sure that, if his son is investing time in the business, he is getting the fruits of his labour. Interruption. If the son is working in the ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Ms Grant, please resume your seat for a second. I say to the members on the Conservative benches that, when a member has the floor, they have the floor and ...
Rhoda Grant
Lab
Thank you, Presiding Officer. Let me be clear that very few family farms are worth in excess of several million pounds. Indeed, the latest figures show that...
Rachael Hamilton
Con
Will the member take an intervention?
Rhoda Grant
Lab
I have already taken an intervention. Farming communities tell us of their concerns that good agricultural land is changing hands at excessive prices for ta...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
The member is bringing her remarks to a close.
Rhoda Grant
Lab
What is very clear is that none of the tough decisions that have been taken in the budget would have been required at all had it not been for the Conservativ...
Ariane Burgess (Highlands and Islands) (Green)
Green
The agricultural property relief changes that were announced in the UK budget have created a lot of concern in rural areas and the farming community. There i...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Beatrice Wishart, who is opening the debate on behalf of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, joins us remotely. 15:13
Beatrice Wishart (Shetland Islands) (LD)
LD
Scottish Liberal Democrats will support the motion that is before us today, as well as the Scottish Government’s amendment. The UK Government’s announced ch...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
We move to the open debate. There is virtually no time in hand, so any interventions should be absorbed in members’ allocated speaking times. 15:17
Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I am delighted to stand up this afternoon and speak about small family farms, which is a subject that is close to my heart. I remind members of my entry in t...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I take this opportunity to remind members that they must speak through the chair at all times. References to “you” are references to me, and I do not think t...
Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale) (SNP)
SNP
I shall try hard to temper my words in order to obey that instruction, Deputy Presiding Officer. I thank the Conservatives for bringing this debate to the c...
Richard Leonard (Central Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
Much of the language in this debate has been intemperate, inaccurate and deliberately inflammatory. The new Tory rural affairs spokesperson stood up in Parli...
Jim Fairlie
SNP
On a point of order, Presiding Officer.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Mr Leonard, please resume your seat. There is a point of order from the minister, Jim Fairlie.
Jim Fairlie
SNP
I would like to draw attention to what Mr Leonard said. He made the accusation against me that I did not declare my register of interests. I do not have an i...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Thank you, minister. The matter has been put on the record. Mr Leonard, please resume.