The farming community in the United Kingdom is expressing deep frustration over the government’s inheritance tax policy, which many call “fundamentally flawed.” This sentiment was voiced by Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), during the organization’s annual conference in Birmingham on March 14, 2023. Farmers are grappling with a multitude of challenges, and the inheritance tax issue has only exacerbated their struggles.
In his address, Mr. Bradshaw highlighted the emotional toll that the government’s tax policy has taken on farmers, stating that many have been left in tears. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, which has endured significant hardships over the past two years. “Farmer confidence has been the lowest on record,” he remarked, emphasizing the pervasive feelings of hopelessness within the industry.
The NFU has been engaged in a 14-month battle with the government aimed at scrapping the controversial inheritance tax. This struggle has been marked by protests, including a significant demonstration last year where hundreds of farmers gathered in Whitehall to voice their opposition. The frustration reached a peak with the government’s tax raid led by Rachel Reeves, which farmers have fought against month after month.
While Sir Keir Starmer eventually announced a U-turn on the tax levy, increasing the inheritance tax threshold to £2.5 million, many farmers remain dissatisfied. Mr. Bradshaw pointed out that the policy still falls short of truly supporting family-run farms. He urged politicians to convert their promises of eliminating the family farm tax into concrete manifesto commitments.
During the conference, Mr. Bradshaw wore a small yellow welly pin, representing the charity Yellow Wellies, which promotes mental wellbeing in the farming community. He expressed deep concern over the mental health crisis that has gripped the sector, noting that many farmers have tragically taken their own lives amid increasing pressures. “Not a single one of us wanted to spend 14 months fighting with the government,” he stated.
The atmosphere at this year’s conference was markedly different from the previous year, when the then Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, faced significant backlash from the farming community. The reception for current Secretary Emma Reynolds has been more positive, reflecting perhaps a shift in the government’s approach to the agricultural sector.
Despite the lingering scars from recent battles, Mr. Bradshaw chose to look to the future. He called on the government to recognize that investing in food production today is essential for ensuring food security tomorrow. As farmers continue to navigate the complexities of climate change, market profitability, and policy changes, the message is clear: they seek a more supportive and sustainable framework that protects their livelihoods and the future of food production in the UK.
