'A spiteful attack': farmers warn of village life erosion
The Independent|November 07, 2024
Farmers say Labour’s shock changes to inheritance tax rules will lead to the destruction” of village life and accused politicians of failing to understand the countryside, as dozens joined a first protest against the measure.
ALEX ROSS
'A spiteful attack': farmers warn of village life erosion

Under Rachel Reeves’s Budget announcement last week, farmers will be charged 20 per cent on agricultural assets above £1m from April 2026. The move has met with a storm of fury in the farming industry, with fears it will mostly impact family-run farms where owners could have to sell land to pay the levy on a bereavement.

Yesterday, dozens of farmers joined the first protest since the policy was announced at the Northern Farming Conference in Northumberland, attended by environment minister Daniel Zeichner, while NFU president Tom Bradshaw has warned of “militant action” ahead of a rally being organised for 19 November.

At Frome Livestock Market in Somerset, farmers voiced their anger over the “tractor tax”, with many claiming the government had overlooked the consequences.

“It’ll lead to the destruction of village life as we know it,” said Rupert Cox, a 63-year-old farmer with 200 acres of land near Langport in Somerset.

“Family farmers have civic pride in their villages and communities where they are; they will help out at the church fete by supplying straw bales for the skittles, they will give a hand to an elderly person needing a lift or something moving such contributions to local village life are underestimated and overlooked.

“You also have the local spend. Yes, the tractor may come from further afield, but the local farmer will spend money in the local shop, send the car to the garage. If big businesses take over land, it changes things – their number one priority is profit, and they are limited companies with dividends to serve.”

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin November 07, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin November 07, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE INDEPENDENT DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Why Is Starmer So Against An EU Youth Travel Scheme?
The Independent

Why Is Starmer So Against An EU Youth Travel Scheme?

The prime minister has once again been urged to agree to a limited scheme to allow young people to travel freely between the UK and the EU for the purposes of work or study, and has once again signalled his refusal to consider it.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Why home advantage has lost its sting in Test series.
The Independent

Why home advantage has lost its sting in Test series.

“The tour is only a matter of hours old, but the wry thought occurs to me that reputations will almost certainly be destroyed in the next few months.”

time-read
4 dak  |
November 28, 2024
North can't compete with south's individual X factor
The Independent

North can't compete with south's individual X factor

Ex-Lions captain Sam Warburton has a theory why southern hemisphere teams have dominated the autumn internationals

time-read
4 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Aimless Villa stagger to bore draw against Juventus
The Independent

Aimless Villa stagger to bore draw against Juventus

Aston Villa and Unai Emery have run out of ideas, far too early in the Spaniard’s previously exhilarating revolution.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Reds humble Real and Slot does what Klopp could not
The Independent

Reds humble Real and Slot does what Klopp could not

A few weeks ago, it was possible to look at Arne Slot’s seemingly impressive start at Liverpool, adopt a sceptical tone and ask who they had really beaten.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Vauxhall's closure shows No 10 must recharge EV rules
The Independent

Vauxhall's closure shows No 10 must recharge EV rules

Electric vehicles aren't selling in the volume anticipated and James Moore says government is right to order a swift review

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Nationwide banks £2bn in takeover of Virgin Money
The Independent

Nationwide banks £2bn in takeover of Virgin Money

Nationwide has gained £2.3bn following its acquisition of Virgin Money, according to the firm’s half-year results.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Red Sea boat survivors were trapped in cabins, says diver
The Independent

Red Sea boat survivors were trapped in cabins, says diver

Two Britons who were on the yacht remain unaccounted for

time-read
2 dak  |
November 28, 2024
Record snowfall leaves Seoul scrambling to cope
The Independent

Record snowfall leaves Seoul scrambling to cope

Transport chaos and power cuts hit city as two die on roads

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
Myanmar junta chief faces crimes against humanity charge for Rohingya deaths
The Independent

Myanmar junta chief faces crimes against humanity charge for Rohingya deaths

Arrest warrant requested by International Criminal Court

time-read
3 dak  |
November 28, 2024