Farmers Criticize Labour's Inheritance Tax Changes

The recent UK budget has faced widespread condemnation from farmers and agricultural representatives due to changes in inheritance tax relief that will affect family farms. Under the new budget, farms valued over £1 million will no longer benefit from full Agricultural Property Relief, necessitating a potential 20% inheritance tax on their value. This has raised concerns that many farmers may be forced to sell land to settle tax liabilities, thereby diminishing the viability of family-run farms and disrupting food production. Critics, including the National Farmers' Union and various MPs, argue that the budget moves are detrimental to rural communities and threaten the future of farming in the UK. In light of these changes, some farmers are advising their children to seek careers outside agriculture, fearing that the sector will become increasingly unmanageable. The government, while asserting its commitment to supporting farmers, has been accused of failing to understand the critical issues facing rural voters.