NORTH Cornwall’s MP has raised the issue of a ‘mental health crisis’ among farmers within his constituency in the House of Commons.

Ben Maguire has pressed the Leader of the House, asking for a government debate on the proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Inheritance Tax rules, which he says have left hundreds of farmers uncertain about the future of their livelihoods and family farms.

During a session in the Commons, Ben Maguire MP asked the Leader of the House: “Hundreds of farmers in my rural constituency of North Cornwall are facing a mental health crisis.

“They're unsure if their farms, and their life's work, will be passed on to the next generation - or that they'll even be farmed in five years' time. I constructively relayed some of these concerns to the farming Minister earlier this week.

“Will the Leader of the House today commit to a debate, on Government time, about the proposed changes to the APR and Inheritance Tax rules, to give our farmers the reassurance they so desperately need?”

In response, the Leader of the House, Lucy Powell, acknowledged the significance of Mr Maguire’s concerns: “I will ensure that this issue is raised with the relevant ministers, and I understand the importance of providing reassurance to our rural communities.”

Commenting after the session, Ben Maguire MP said: “North Cornwall’s farming community is rightly anxious about the government's latest tax changes. I am committed to ensuring farmers receive the support and clarity they need to navigate proposed changes in tax policy.

“I will be meeting with farmers from my constituency next Tuesday here in Westminster, when I will welcome them to Parliament and join them in demanding the government reverse this damaging policy proposal.”