British farmers have handed Sir Keir Starmer a stern warning that his Labour Chancellor’s decisions will impose an unintended “knock-on effect” rippling across the wider nation.
Marching through the streets of central London, Heidi and Jonathan Smith – fifth-generation farmers from north Oxfordshire – slammed the Government over its lack of understanding of the industry.
Last October, Labour outlined its plans to impose a 20 per cent inheritance tax on farms worth over £1million – yet Rachel Reeves has refused to sit down with National Farmers’ Union boss Tom Bradshaw since she delivered her ill-received Budget.
“People in that room still – I don’t think – had any understanding of how farming works – in terms of how much value our assets are compared to how much income we can actually produce,” Heidi told GB News.
A mammoth crop sprayer stood tall surrounded by protesting farmers this afternoon – and was said to cost an eye-watering £300,000
GB News
“So, we brought some big bits of kit here to just show how much these pieces of machinery really cost.”
In the heart of Westminster, a mammoth crop sprayer stood tall surrounded by protesting farmers – and was shown to cost an eye-watering £300,000.
“If our next generation has to sell some of that machinery to fund the inheritance tax fee, the farm will not be viable,” Heidi continued.
“You can’t farm without this equipment. The only way farming can continue is by passing it all onto the next generation.”
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Ahead of Reeves’s tax hike, the couple explained the drop in confidence amongst farmers to invest in their own farms for fear of “penalising” their children.
Speaking to the People’s Channel, Heidi explained: “No one at the moment feels confident to actually invest in their farm because you will then be increasing the value of the farm, which will then penalise the next generation when you hand it on.”
Jonathan warned that, beyond machinery dealers, those involved in barn and shed construction across Britain will also be affected as “everyone’s trying to reduce the value of their farm”.
Nevertheless, No10 has insisted that Starmer has “engaged with farmers over their concerns” and maintains that he “made a very big commitment” to them.
Jonathan warned that, beyond machinery dealers, those involved in barn and shed construction will also be affected as ‘everyone’s trying to reduce the value of their farm’
PA
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We’ve committed £5billion in support to farmers over next two years. It’s the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country’s history.
“Our commitment to farmers is steadfast. We’re using planning reforms to support food production, making it quicker for farmers to build the infrastructure they need.
“We’re delivering fairness across the supply chain, with farmers getting clearer pricing terms and fair competition. You’ll have seen the announcements on flood defences, on food procurement.
“Across the board we’re obviously committed to supporting our farmers and the important role they play.”
GB News has approached the Labour Party and DEFRA for comment.
