Rachel Reeves dealt blow as another Labour MP opposes tax raid on farmers | Politics | News




Rachel Reeves is facing fresh pressure after another Labour MP came out against the inheritance tax raid on farmers.

The Chancellor has faced an ongoing backlash for imposing a 20% rate on farms worth more than £1million.

Henry Tufnell, who represents Mid and South Pembrokeshire, became the third Labour MP to publicly speak out against the controversial policy.

He told The Times: “We had said categorically as a party that there wouldn’t be any movement on inheritance tax.

“I stood on the platform where I said directly to farmers in my constituency that it was something that we weren’t going to pursue as a party.

“It’s embarrassing to say you’re going to do one thing and then do another.”

He added that he was "not alone" in opposing the change, which is due to come into force in April 2026.

Mr Tufnell, whose parents own a 2,200-acre Gloucestershire estate, called for the £1million threshold to be raised but did not specify a figure. He also called for an “amnesty” for older and sick farmers.

He said: “It’s still ridiculous that people like Jeremy Clarkson, James Dyson can buy up agricultural land, overinflate this asset class and avoid tax.

“We need just a small modification. It’s not a U-turn. It’s just a tweak of the policy, having listened and consulted with the industry.”

Mr Tufnell also warned that Labour could be hit in the polls in its rural seats unless it makes changes to the proposals.

Mr Tufnell joins Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden and Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours in speaking out.

It comes as farmers are due to stage another protest in central London on Tuesday against the plans.

Labour is pressing ahead despite warnings that the proposals will force family farms to close.

The Daily Express is campaigning for a U-turn with our Save Britain's Family Farms crusade.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has been contacted for comment.



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Posted: 2025-03-03 09:48:17

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