Up to 10,000 farmers protested on the streets of London yesterday against the Government’s changes to inheritance tax at last month’s budget.
Angela Rayner deputising for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who is at the G20 in Brazil (Image: PA)
Angela Rayner has failed to rule out more inheritance tax raids on farmers despite the changes announced at last month’s budget.
Up to 10,000 descended on Whitehall in London yesterday to protest against Rachel Reeves’ decisions.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Alex Burghart, who deputised for Tory leader Kemi Badneoch at Prime Minister’s Question, said: “Perhaps the right honourable lady thinks that everyone came to London yesterday to thank the Government. Let’s look at the facts. A typical mid-size 360 acre family farm in the constituency of Thirsk and Malton, they have spoken to their accountant, their new liability because of this Government is £500,000.
“That is 12 years worth of profit. When this generation passes away, that farm will become totally unviable and it is just one of thousands and thousands of similar farms. It is clear the Government hasn’t got its facts right.”
READ MORE: Who is Alex Burghart as Kemi Badenoch ally takes on Angela Rayner
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He added: “if the Government isn’t going to reverse this terrible policy, will the right honourable lady at least commit that there will be no further increases to inheritance tax and no further reductions to agricultural property relief or business property relief in this parliament?”
Ms Rayner replied: “He talks about the facts, and I absolutely stand by the figures the Government have set out, and the vast majority of estate owners will be totally unaffected.
“He wants to talk about the figures, I will be crystal clear. The vast majority of estate owners will (see) no change and pay no tax on land passed on valued at £1 million. Couples can pass on £3 million, tax-free, and those above the threshold will pay only half the normal rate and could pay it over 10 years, interest-free.”
A tractor is seen with a placard expressing farmer’s anger in Whitehall yesterday (Image: Getty)
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Environment Secretary Steve Reed has rejected claims that the Government underestimated how many will be affected by plans to limit 100% property relief to the first £1 million of agricultural assets.
Ministers say the vast majority of farms will not be hit by the changes, but many in the sector have said they will be forced to sell off land to meet the costs.
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