Farmers are voicing their discontent over UK government’s recent inheritance tax changes, labeling them as a betrayal.
- Tom Bradshaw from NFU leads a protest, receiving strong support and ovations from members.
- Government aims to collect additional funds but faces criticism that the policy contradicts its goals.
- Concerns are raised regarding the potential impact on elderly farmers and their ability to sustain livelihoods.
- The farming community is calling for policy reversal, highlighting discrepancies in government data.
Farmers across the UK have unified in protest against the government’s latest decision on inheritance tax changes. Many in the agricultural sector feel that the new rules come as a ‘betrayal’ to those who have dedicated their lives to farming. The changes are seen as a threat to the sustainability of family farms.
Tom Bradshaw, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president, addressed a gathering of 600 NFU members, expressing the community’s frustrations. He criticized the government’s policy as “the straw which broke the camel’s back”, highlighting the lack of consultation with the farming industry before launching such impactful reforms.
The government’s target is to raise £520 million annually by 2029, by closing tax loopholes for the wealthy. However, this has sparked fears among farmers that the policy could backfire. Bradshaw pointed out that these changes might drive individuals to invest in agricultural land to dodge taxes, thus disrupting the intended outcome.
A significant worry for many farmers is the potential loss of their livelihoods. Tom Bradshaw spoke emotionally about the “unacceptable human impact” on elderly farmers who could lose what they have worked for all their lives. Many farmers need to draw pensions from the farm after passing it to the next generation, complicating inheritance under new rules.
There is a standoff in Westminster as farming leaders assert that the Treasury relies on incorrect figures. The government claims most farms will remain unaffected, but the NFU argues that calculations neglect Business Property Relief claims, essential for machinery and livestock. The farming community insists the government halt the policy, citing broken promises.
As frustration mounts, farmers feel deceived by political promises. Labor’s previous assurances of stability regarding inheritance tax now seem betrayed. The community’s sentiment is captured in their demand: “When you make a promise to farmers, you keep it.”
The farming community remains steadfast in its demand for policy change, emphasizing the need for accurate data and genuine dialogue.
