51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Mark Spencer on IHT: "Young farmers are walking away from the sector"

Former Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer writes on why young people are walking away from a future in farming due to Inheritance Tax changes, and why farmers have been taken for granted

clock • 2 min read
Sir Mark Spencer said: "The reward has always been that you will one day be able to take on the family farm, to build on what your parents and grandparents did, and one day inspire the next generation of family to continue what you have done. Why, after all that work, effort, dedication and passion, would you (the farmer) do that to eventually be the generation that lost the family business to the tax man?"
Image:

Sir Mark Spencer said: "The reward has always been that you will one day be able to take on the family farm, to build on what your parents and grandparents did, and one day inspire the next generation of family to continue what you have done. Why, after all that work, effort, dedication and passion, would you (the farmer) do that to eventually be the generation that lost the family business to the tax man?"

Government policy is a complete disaster that we may not fully feel the impact of until it is too late. But the reality is, this is having a huge impact right now. Whilst I was the Farming Minister,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Farming in the UK is under real pressure"

EXCLUSIVE - Lynette Steel: "Farming in the UK is under real pressure"

TFA policy adviser Lynette Steel writes on what farmers want from the Farming Roadmap, and how the Government can help to deliver postive change for the sector

Lynette Steel
clock 16 February 2026 • 3 min read
Nigel Farage's Reform distances itself from links to rewilder Ben Goldsmith

Nigel Farage's Reform distances itself from links to rewilder Ben Goldsmith

Reform said its agricultural and rural policy is being developed by 'experienced farmers, land managers, and industry experts', and not Ben Goldsmith

Chris Brayford
clock 16 February 2026 • 2 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

EXCLUSIVE - Sir Alec Shelbrooke: "It is the sense of community that softens the stresses and strains of rural life"

Wetherby and Easingwold MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke writes on how the shooting industry plays an important role to the economy and rural way of life, the countryside's backlash to the proposed shotgun licence merger, and why the Government risks breaking the very spirit that's sustained farming communities for generations

Sir Alec Shelbrooke
clock 13 February 2026 • 3 min read