'Farming is not just a job' as tractors descend on London in wake of tax changes

British farmers have descended on London to protest against the government's new inheritance tax rules, despite Whitehall's firm stance against any revisions to what has emerged as one of the most contentious policies in its Autumn Budget. Not all CornwallLive readers are sympathetic to their cause and have been giving their opinions in our comments section.

The controversial changes unveiled last October mean that farms valued over £1 million will now be liable for inheritance tax, sweeping away previous exemptions. The government remains resolute, asserting that these measures close "loopholes" within an overly complex tax framework and are vital for ensuring robust public sector financing over the next half-decade.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU), championing over 45,000 enterprises, has branded the contentious policy as the "Family Farm Tax". Their campaign to scrap the new rule has garnered the support of nearly 200,000 people thus far.

READ MORE: 'It’s just plain greed' as Cornwall remains UK's second home capital

READ MORE: Have your say! Should Christmas songs be banned until December?

An excerpt from their petition reads: "If this tax change goes ahead, it will deal a hammer blow to farming families, after decades of tightening margins, record inflation, extreme weather and increased production costs, many farmers and growers are at breaking point, unable to absorb any more cost burden."

"This matters because it has the potential to reduce UK food production and alongside the increases in employment costs, the cost of food production rises, with many people still facing a cost-of-living crisis."

Commenter Archie2021 says: “Farmers should be paying their taxes like the rest of us.”

Breton agrees: “Even if inheritance tax is unfair, it should be unfair for everyone and if you class £3 million as a small farm, I suggest you think again.”

S1975 adds: “Too many rich farmers out there who've had it easy through EU subsidies for years whilst being protected by Tory governments and simultaneously destroying what's left of our wildlife and countryside. They shouldn't be protesting, they should be subject to the same taxes as everyone else,”

Onibabes disagrees: “Farming is not just a job. If you inherit some money and are taxed on it, you still have your home and job, the smaller farmers will lose their homes, jobs and lifestyle. Totally different.”

Wozon points out: “Everyone else pays inheritance tax. Farmers pay nothing. Asking them to pay at 1 mill still grants them more allowance before paying than anyone else. Why should they be exempt? They have received grants, subsidies etc for generations. Which other businesses get all that and remain exempt from inheritance tax? Welcome to the real world.”

Dukerolo suggests: “That the Labour Government have a talk with the NFU? They either haven't bothered, or haven't bothered to listen - which I find amusing, as one of Mr. Starmers' campaign pledges was to 'take care of Britains' farmers'. Looks like they're going to be taken care of, alright.”

Sandra Annear pleads: “We need them all, they are only custodians of the land they live on and care for their lifetimes. Let them do the job they were born for and the next generations likewise. They are being crippled in so many ways; fuel charges, water rates, could go on for ages. Taking away the land that one way or another feeds us all is so thoughtless. Young ones today can't afford to live, let alone find deposits which are fortunes."

Thewestisbest says: “Support our Farmers!”

How do you feel about the protests? Do farmers deserve to be exempt from Inheritance Tax? Have our say in our comments section.

⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️