Farmers are deeply upset and worried about a new 20% inheritance tax on family farms, which they say could destroy their livelihoods. The tax, introduced by the government, has been criticized by farming leaders and politicians who argue it will push many family farms into financial ruin. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has been accused of “not caring about farmers” after his government rejected alternative solutions proposed by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
The NFU suggested a “clawback scheme” that would reduce the tax burden if farms were sold within a certain time, but the government dismissed the idea. NFU President Tom Bradshaw expressed his anger, saying the government is ignoring the human impact of the tax on farming families. He warned that the tax could lead to protests and even disruptions in food production if farmers feel they have no other way to make their voices heard.
Opposition politicians have also slammed the tax. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for rural affairs, called it a “cruel tax” that could be “the final nail in the coffin” for many struggling farming communities. He accused the government of “throwing farmers to the wolves” and failing to understand the importance of farming to the economy and the environment. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who visited a farm in Norfolk, said the tax could “end this farm” and criticized the government for not supporting farmers after Brexit and through tough trade deals.
Farmers are already under immense pressure, with many facing mental health struggles due to financial stress and uncertainty. Daniel Boomer, a 22-year-old beef farmer from Northern Ireland, shared how the tax has added to his struggles, saying he has felt close to taking his own life. He described the situation as a “pressure cooker” that is becoming harder to bear every day.
The tax was announced in the October Budget and has been seen as a betrayal by farmers who believed the government was building a better relationship with them. Bradshaw emphasized the importance of public support for farmers, saying it is crucial to pressuring the government to change its mind. He urged farmers to channel their anger into gaining public backing, as this could lead to political action.
The government, however, has defended the tax, calling it a “fair and balanced approach” that will only affect around 500 estates a year. They argue it is necessary to fund public services, but farmers and their supporters say it will have devastating consequences for rural communities and the future of family farming. The debate continues, with farmers and their allies vowing to fight against what they see as an unfair and damaging policy.
