Nearly 300 farms in North Shropshire could be hit by the 'Family Farm Tax.'

This comes after the government decided to cut inheritance tax relief for farms.

The government has previously stated that 27 per cent of farms may feel the impact of these changes.

Helen Morgan, North Shropshire MP, warned that this could spell the 'death knell' for family farms in the region.

If 27 per cent of farms in North Shropshire are impacted by these changes, 288 may be required to pay the increase, placing it among the top 20 most affected constituencies in England.

A total of 1,045 farms across Shropshire, Telford, and Wrekin are expected to be affected.

Ms Morgan has spoken to numerous farmers who had hoped to pass the business on to their children but now worry they will be forced to exit the industry.

She is now urging the government to eliminate the Family Farm Tax and take up the Liberal Democrat proposal to allocate an additional £1 billion annually to support farmers.

The North Shropshire MP has initiated a 'Scrap the Family Farm Tax' petition, which she plans to present to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

She also voiced her opposition to the changes during an Urgent Question to DEFRA Minister Daniel Zeichner.

Ms Morgan said: "The Government must scrap this disastrous Family Farm Tax immediately or risk ringing the death knell for family farms in North Shropshire.

"This is the last thing that Shropshire farmers need, having spent years being forced to endure botched trade deals and cuts to their incomes due to shameful policies from the previous Government.

"If we are serious about food production and food security in this country, we cannot pursue anti-farming policies.

"We need to support the agricultural sector and back British farmers.

"The Chancellor should urgently reverse course, scrap the Family Farm Tax and take up the Liberal Democrat proposals to give farmers an additional £1 billion a year in support.

"I'm asking local farmers and everyone who supports the agricultural sector to sign a Scrap the Family Farm Tax petition, which I will be taking to the Chancellor to show the depth of public opposition in rural areas to this policy."

At the Urgent Question on the Budget’s impact on farming, Ms Morgan asked DEFRA Minister Mr Zeichner to clarify what investment is planned for rural public transport.

Mr Zeichner replied: "I thank the Honourable Lady for her contribution.

"I think you have to wait a bit longer to see the transport improvement.

"It's only a week.

"But the point about the level is that has been set by the Treasury, based on the figures that we have, and trying to make sure it is fair.

"And as I say, the vast majority will not be paying anything, which I hope you will find reassuring."