Starmer Defends Farm Inheritance Tax Changes

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has staunchly defended recent changes to inheritance tax affecting farms, asserting that the majority of farmers will remain exempt, particularly those with lands valued below £3 million. This defense comes amid significant backlash from farmers, who argue that the new tax policy could jeopardize the agricultural sector and food security. Protests are planned in London, with farmers expressing feelings of betrayal due to the government's stance, despite reassurances from Starmer about the support for the farming community. Critics highlight that the number of wealthy investors purchasing farmland has surged while active agricultural land use has declined. The government's budget measures also include tax breaks for farmland exceeding £1 million, which farmers claim could lead to a financial burden on many farming families. Starmer insists that better communication about the fiscal changes is necessary to alleviate farmers' concerns about the new policies.