I am pleased to let you know that I am now the secretary for the Labour Rural Research Group (LRRG). 

We are a group of over 40 rural and semi-rural Labour MPs set up to support the government’s mission to deliver for the UK.     

Our job is to bring forward research, evidence and policy ideas that will help unlock the potential of our rural communities while highlighting the challenges our rural communities face. 

Listening to North Northumberland farmers 

Most recently, as many of you will know, I have been working with our local farmers to shape the recent changes to inheritance tax rules. 

I am deeply grateful to the farmers of North Northumberland – not only for the constructive way they have engaged with me on the issue of Inheritance Tax, but also for the tireless work they do every single day to put food on our tables. 

Following our efforts, the Government announced, in late December, that the threshold for Agricultural and Business Property Relief will rise from £1 million to £2.5 million when the changes take effect in April 2026.  

This means that spouses or civil partners will be able to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them before paying inheritance tax, in addition to existing allowances. 

Rural poverty in North Northumberland 

I am grateful to the Government for listening, learning, and acting. This process has been an example of good democracy in action: constructive dialogue between those affected, their elected representatives, and ministers leading to a better policy which protects family farms. 

The LRRG is chaired by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, and James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, is Vice-Chair.   

Our next report, on rural poverty, will be out in February.