The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has strongly criticized the government over its proposed changes to inheritance tax rules, with thousands of farmers set to protest in London. They argue that these changes could financially devastate farming families across the UK. NFU president Tom Bradshaw condemned the government’s decision, calling it a betrayal, while farmers warned of dire consequences for the future of British agriculture.
Why Does the NFU Accuse the Government of "Betrayal"?
The NFU has accused the government of launching a policy that could cripple small farming businesses without consulting those directly impacted. “To launch a policy this destructive without speaking to anyone involved in farming beggars belief,” said Tom Bradshaw, the NFU president, in his speech ahead of the protest on Tuesday.
The controversial changes were announced in the recent Budget and mean that from April 2026, farms worth more than ÂŁ1 million will face an inheritance tax of 20%, which is half the usual rate of 40%. This change has sparked anger and anxiety among farmers, who fear that it will force their families to sell their farms to pay the tax.
How Will These Changes Impact Farmers Personally?
David Barton, a Gloucestershire livestock farmer, has expressed his devastation over the policy. Barton’s 265-acre farm, which has been in his family since 1913, is estimated to be worth around ÂŁ5 million. Under the new rules, his son could face an inheritance tax bill of up to ÂŁ800,000.
“This budget has just ripped the heart out of us because I know my son will not be able to pay the inheritance tax,” Barton said. The fear of losing the family farm is deeply personal for Barton, who now considers gifting his estate to his son, although he admits he is not financially prepared to stop working.
“I’m worried that the people the government is targeting will end up owning my farm. Wealthy individuals could easily buy it, ending our family’s legacy,” he added.
Why Are Thousands of Farmers Preparing to Rally in London?
The NFU has organized a mass lobby of MPs in London to voice their opposition, with 1,800 members set to participate. A giant rally, expected to draw over 10,000 participants, will occur at Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, with prominent speakers, including farmer and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson.
Clive Bailye, a Staffordshire farmer and co-organizer of the rally, explained that the demonstration was intended to be peaceful but warned that, in the future, there could be more direct action-style protests by some farmers. “They are at a point now where they have nothing to lose, and they have the infrastructure behind them to be able to cause a lot of problems,” Bailey said.
Despite the anger, NFU president Tom Bradshaw emphasized that while the union strongly opposed the changes, it did not support extreme actions, such as withholding food from supermarkets, which some farmers have threatened in response to the policy.
How Will the Changes Affect the Economy of Small Farms?
The impact of the inheritance tax change is expected to be widespread, but it is still unclear how many farms will be affected. The government claims that only the wealthiest 500 estates will be impacted, but the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) believe that up to 70,000 farms could face financial ruin due to the new rules.
Barton is among many farmers concerned that their farms could be sold off. “For ministers to stand up and say this is good for farmers like me, for agriculture, they are chucking petrol onto a rather fire at the moment,” he said. Barton fears that the policy, intended to target wealthy landowners, could inadvertently harm small family farms like his.
Why Does the Government Defend the Policy?
The government has defended the inheritance tax changes, arguing that only the wealthiest estates will be affected. Secretary of State Steve Reed stated, “I completely understand that with any change comes a degree of uncertainty, but if farmers look at the facts, they will see that the vast majority of farms will be unaffected by this.”
He continued, “The figures are obvious—and they’ve been endorsed by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility—and they show that no more than 500 estates will be affected. The vast majority of claimants will pay nothing under the new scheme, just as they paid nothing under the old scheme.”
The government has also suggested that tax reliefs and exemptions could allow up to ÂŁ3 million to be passed free of inheritance tax. Furthermore, it offered a payment plan, allowing inheritance tax bills to be paid in installments over 10 years.
Why Are Younger Farmers Concerned About the Inheritance Tax?
These changes’ financial burden is particularly concerning for younger farmers expected to inherit family farms. Alan Jones, a student from the Royal Agricultural University and the ninth generation of her family who farms in West Wales, said that her parent’s hard work in building the family business now feels wasted.
“All the work they have done to build the business and get this farm to stand on its own just feels like it’s for nothing,” Jones said. Mental health is already a significant issue in the farming industry, and Jones fears these tax changes could be the final blow for many struggling farmers.
Rupert Dale, who helps run a hay farm on the Worcestershire/Shropshire border, expressed similar concerns. His family, which supplies hay to livestock farmers across the UK, fears they will be forced to sell. “Me and my brother would have to pay an immense sum for our farm to carry on, and that’s a sum we spoke about together as a family that we would not be able to finance and afford,” he said.
How Are Labour and the Liberal Democrats Responding to the Policy?
Labour has vehemently opposed the inheritance tax changes, with shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins calling it a “budget of broken promises” that is “killing British farming.” She emphasized that farmers are often “asset rich, but cash poor,” noting that farming is not profitable for most farmers.
“The government is punishing farmers who are not in it for the money—they’re in it for the responsibility and the way of life. It’s a 365-day responsibility, and now they’re being hit with this,” Atkins added.
The Liberal Democrats have also criticized the government’s estimates, which suggest only 500 estates will be affected. Tim Farron, the party’s spokesperson on environment, food, and rural affairs, dismissed these claims as “utter rubbish.” He argued, “The only way that people can pay the inheritance is by getting rid of the farm—so corporates buy it. It’s cruel, it’s unfair, it’s also incredibly stupid.”
What Action Are Farmers Planning in Response to the Policy?
As the rally in London draws closer, farmers nationwide are rallying together to make their voices heard. Students, farmers, and industry leaders alike are uniting in opposition to the changes, determined to show the government that these new inheritance tax rules could have disastrous effects on British farming. As president of the Royal Agricultural University Students’ Union, Alexandra Godfrey said, “I think this is one of the most pressing challenges in the farming sector, and we all need to rally together to tell the government how we feel. If not now, when?”
