MP Tessa Munt has criticised the Government's Autumn Statement, accusing ministers of ignoring Somerset's needs.

Following Wednesday's Budget, the Liberal Democrat MP said the announcement included "nothing to support our rural communities, local transport, farms and tourist industry".

Speaking after attending a protest in Westminster on Wednesday morning, Ms Munt joined Lib Dem colleagues and farmers to oppose planned changes to Agricultural Property Relief. The proposals, due to take effect from April 2026, would introduce inheritance tax charges on farms valued over £1 million.

"This tax will have a devastating impact on the farming community, particularly family and small farming businesses, which have already suffered from increased energy and feed prices in recent years," she said.

The Mendip Hills MP warned the move risks damaging food security and the local economy.

"We cannot lose sight of what is at stake: our food security, our natural environment, the rural economy and the heritage of agricultural communities," she said. "In Somerset we grow a huge amount of the nation's food and I firmly believe the Government must introduce stronger measures to support farmers, including scrapping this tax."

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