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

Farming Matters – Jane Craigie: 'Rural areas are anything but uniform'

Farming Matters – Jane Craigie: 'Rural areas are anything but uniform'

Communications consultant Jane Craigie discusses the outcomes of the OECD's Rural Policy Review of Ireland 2026 and draws comparisons with the Scottish rural sector

Jane Craigie
clock 09 May 2026 • 4 min read
NFU Cymru urges new Welsh Government to match farming industry's ambitions

NFU Cymru urges new Welsh Government to match farming industry's ambitions

Plea issued to Plaid Cymru as the party scoops Senedd victory

clock 08 May 2026 • 2 min read
All change for Welsh farmers as Plaid Cymru secures victory in Senedd elections

All change for Welsh farmers as Plaid Cymru secures victory in Senedd elections

Labour concedes defeat as Reform UK Wales races into second place

clock 08 May 2026 • 2 min read