Farmers Protest Labour's Inheritance Tax Changes

Recent budget announcements by the Labour party, particularly changes to inheritance tax, have sparked outrage among UK farmers, who are already facing numerous challenges post-Brexit. Farmers are concerned about the financial impact of these changes, which threaten the future of small family farms, as inheritance tax will now apply to combined business and agricultural assets over £1 million. In Scotland, First Minister John Swinney criticized the UK government's indifference to rural needs, citing the stress and uncertainty faced by farmers. Controversy intensified after former Labour adviser John McTernan suggested that the government should confront farmers similar to Margaret Thatcher's approach to miners, remarks that were widely condemned. Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, distanced himself from McTernan's comments, emphasizing a commitment to invest significantly in farming. Farmers plan to protest against these budget measures, underscoring the critical issue of food security and the viability of small farms.