Latest news with #APR
Scotsman
20 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Farmers vow to keep pressure on 'family farm tax'
Farming leaders said the inheritance tax changes have been the most emotive issue they've witnessed in their lobbying careers. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Farming unions have vowed to 'keep up the pressure' on the UK Government to revise the controversial 'family farm tax'. From next year, a 20 per cent inheritance rate is set to be levied on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, which were previously exempt. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The proposals, announced in last year's Autumn budget, have been described as 'draconian' and 'industry threatening' by farming unions. The plans saw tractors descend on Westminster and Holyrood and elsewhere across the UK on several occasions in protest earlier this year. Royal Highland Show takes place over four days in June and is Scotland's largest agriculture event Asked if the inheritance tax changes are likely to go ahead, National Farmer's Union Scotland (NFU Scotland) leader Andrew Connon said the organisation is still lobbying hard to fight against them. Andrew Connon, head of the National Farmers Union Scotland | NFU Scotland Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, Mr Connon said: 'We will keep the pressure on because it is so fundamentally important. 'It has been the most emotive thing I've come across in my career in the union. We will not give up the fighting. We will not give up.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK government insists only around 500 farms will be impacted, but the figure is disputed, with rural groups claiming the impact will extend a lot further. A report published earlier this year showed almost half (49 per cent) of farmers have paused or cancelled investment in their businesses because of what the fiscal changes would bring. Farming unions have previously called for a pause in the debate until a profitability review of farmers in the UK had been carried out. Last month, the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (Efra), which includes seven Labour MPs - a majority - warned UK ministers should delay the reforms to farming inheritance tax due to 'poor' communication in policy that could impact vulnerable farmers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Efra report called on UK government ministers to push back announcing its final agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) reforms until October 2026, to come into effect in April 2027. They said by doing so it would bring a 'better formulation of tax policy', which would buy more time for 'vulnerable farmers' to seek advice. A response to the report from ministers is due to be issued next month, the NFU Scotland said. Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, who also attended the show, acknowledged there are disagreements in the agricultural sector over the so-called family farm tax, but insisted 'we're not going to change our minds'. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray | PA Despite opposition to the proposed tax changes from farming unions, Mr Murray, who attended the UK Government stall at the show, said the debate had not led to antagonism at the show. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Mr Murray said: 'I've just met with the NFUS and the president there. 'We had a long discussion for 40 minutes on issues we're helping them with.' He said these included seasonal worker immigration issues. The Scottish Secretary added: 'They're very, very happy about the SPS agreement and the EU trade deal. 'They want to advance that and go even further for obvious reasons. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'And then we had a small chat about inheritance tax as well. 'Of course it's an issue where we're not going to agree on everything. 'But the UK Government's been pretty clear that we made that change in October, we're not going to change our minds on that. 'So we're going to have continued dialogue and discussions with the industry.'
Malaysia Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
International trade must be transparent, predictable
KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Xinhua) -- International trade must be governed by transparent rules and legal predictability, not by unilateralism or coercive economic measures, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said here on Thursday. In his keynote speech at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar said that strengthening multilateralism through ASEAN and engaging with a diverse range of partners, such as China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and BRICS, will help countries seeking constructive cooperation to weather the storm of geopolitical tensions. "The imposition of unilateral tariffs by the U.S. is a significant challenge to our nation and the region as we are deeply plugged into global supply chains. International trade must be governed by transparent rules and legal predictability, not by unilateralism or coercive economic measures," he said. "Malaysia's strategy of active non-alignment is a deliberate and principled framework, designed to maximize strategic flexibility, preserve decision-making autonomy, and engage all partners on our own terms... Malaysia has reached out to like-minded partners in the Global South to bridge regions, build collective resolve and promote shared prosperity," he added. Anwar also stressed the importance of avoiding bloc confrontation, emphasizing that dialogue and engagement are the only ways to ensure continued economic growth and stable relations between nations. "The future of this region lies not in hardened blocs or fragile balances, but in a security architecture that is inclusive, predictable, and anchored in rules, one in which active non-alignment is not merely tolerated but enabled to thrive," he said. The APR, which runs from June 17 to June 19, is the signature international conference of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia.
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Anwar slams Israeli strikes on Iran as ‘punitive, unprovoked'
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, calling such actions 'punitive' and 'unprovoked' acts that violate international law and undermine diplomatic efforts. Bernama reported Anwar as saying the Israeli attacks were clearly intended to derail ongoing talks and shatter hopes for a peaceful resolution in the region. 'Such actions, carried out with utter impunity, constitute a blatant violation of international law, further eroding the norms that hold the global order together,' the news agency quoted him as saying during his keynote address at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) on Thursday (June 19). 'We call on those with power and influence to speak plainly and act decisively to restrain further escalation.' Also present at the roundtable session were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Chairman of ISIS Malaysia Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah. Meanwhile, on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Anwar expressed deep concern over the relentless nature of the Israeli military campaign, describing it as a tragedy that has inflicted a devastating toll on a defenceless population. 'The staggering civilian casualties, overwhelmingly women and children, demand far more than pious proclamations of concern,' he remarked. 'They require concerted international action to uphold humanitarian law, secure an immediate ceasefire, and ensure the unfettered delivery of aid to those in desperate need.' Anwar further warned that the credibility of the so-called rules-based international order is now 'on trial', urging global powers to act decisively to prevent further escalation. Drawing attention to the situation in the Asia Pacific, Anwar said the same pressures are playing out with different scripts. 'In the Taiwan Strait, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea, familiar flashpoints flicker. Here, as ever, we must insist on the primacy of dialogue over disruption, of law over disorder, of restraint over escalation,' he reportedly said. The prime minister went on to stress that Malaysia believes the future of this region lies not in hardened blocs or fragile balances, but in a security architecture that is inclusive, predictable, and anchored in rules—one in which active non-alignment is not merely tolerated but enabled to thrive. 'While we do not pretend to be able to reshape the region to fit our ideals, we can act to prevent its worst outcomes. Stability is not guaranteed, but neither is chaos inevitable,' he emphasised. 'What we do now—how we manage tensions, balance relationships, and defend our interests—will decide how the region weathers the storms ahead.' ‒ June 19, 2025
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Timor-Leste moving forward on ASEAN path despite hurdles
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said ASEAN remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste's full membership in the regional grouping, while acknowledging that the process of meeting key requirements is complex and gradual. Anwar said ASEAN leaders were aware of the structural and institutional challenges facing Timor-Leste, but he expressed confidence in the country's commitment to meeting the necessary conditions. 'Now, it's a difficult road because fulfilling the pillars is a challenging task. 'And they are aware that ASEAN leaders could to secure their entry, with the clear understanding that they will try their level best to meet the requirements,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held here on Thursday. Anwar commended the ASEAN Secretariat for actively coordinating efforts to facilitate Timor-Leste's preparations for full membership, including readiness assessments in legal, financial, and parliamentary systems. While economic integration remains a significant hurdle, Anwar noted that engagement and investment promotion efforts are ongoing. 'First, it's for countries to go and engage, to promote trade and investment, and at the same time use the opportunities to build institutions. 'So far, we are quite satisfied with the level of commitment, although admittedly some of these areas are rather slower than what we anticipated earlier,' he said. Anwar said he had also raised the issue with the President of Timor-Leste Dr Jose Ramos-Horta on Wednesday and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during discussions last month, reaffirming Malaysia's support and its expectations for steady progress over the next five years. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, shared that he had also discussed Timor-Leste during a courtesy visit by ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance in Putrajaya on Wednesday. 'I was at this meeting with ConocoPhillips yesterday. They are very bullish about the prospects in Malaysia and Sabah, but also in Timor-Leste,' he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Anwar: ASEAN backs Timor-Leste's full membership bid
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday said ASEAN remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste's full membership in the regional grouping, while acknowledging that the process of meeting key requirements is complex and gradual. Anwar said ASEAN leaders were aware of the structural and institutional challenges facing Timor-Leste, but he expressed confidence in the country's commitment to meeting the necessary conditions. 'Now, it's a difficult road because fulfilling the pillars is a challenging task. 'And they are aware that ASEAN leaders could to secure their entry, with the clear understanding that they will try their level best to meet the requirements,' he said during a question-and-answer session at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) held here on Thursday. Anwar commended the ASEAN Secretariat for actively coordinating efforts to facilitate Timor-Leste's preparations for full membership, including readiness assessments in legal, financial, and parliamentary systems. While economic integration remains a significant hurdle, Anwar noted that engagement and investment promotion efforts are ongoing. 'First, it's for countries to go and engage, to promote trade and investment, and at the same time use the opportunities to build institutions. 'So far, we are quite satisfied with the level of commitment, although admittedly some of these areas are rather slower than what we anticipated earlier,' he said. Anwar said he had also raised the issue with the President of Timor-Leste Dr Jose Ramos-Horta on Wednesday and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during discussions last month, reaffirming Malaysia's support and its expectations for steady progress over the next five years. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, shared that he had also discussed Timor-Leste during a courtesy visit by ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance in Putrajaya on Wednesday. 'I was at this meeting with ConocoPhillips yesterday. They are very bullish about the prospects in Malaysia and Sabah, but also in Timor-Leste,' he said.
