51AVÊÓƵ

Jeremy Clarkson says inheritance tax could see farmland 'disappear' within 20 years

Mr Clarkson has hit out at claims inheritance tax could be imposed on farms

clock • 2 min read
Jeremy Clarkson: "In about 20 years' time, there will be no farmland."
Image:

Jeremy Clarkson: "In about 20 years' time, there will be no farmland."

Diddly Squat farmer Jeremy Clarkson has challenged Labour's General Election manifesto which contains 87 words to farm businesses and rural communities, while criticising claims inheritance tax could be imposed on farms.

Writing a column for the Sun, the Clarkson's Farm star said he was disappointed by Sir Keir Starmer's election manifesto and what it had to offer farming communities.

Specifically, Mr Clarkson had questioned suggestions the Party could withdraw inheritance tax relief for farmers and how it could impact the future of farming. 

READ NOW: Inheritance tax could 'devastate' future of family farms

Sir Mark Spencer said imposing inheritance tax on farms could be a 'disaster' for farm businesses, rural economies food security and the environment.

READ NOW: EXCLUSIVE: Sir Keir Starmer - "I know full well no-one works harder than farmers"

During his visit to a Devon farm last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was 'crystal clear' that only Conservatives had the backing of British farmers, while criticising Labour's 87 word manifesto for farming, which Mr Clarkson backed on Twitter. 

Despite finding fault with the Conservative's handling of the NHS and public services, Mr Clarkson said their heart was 'in the right place' on taxes and economic stability.

Turning back to Labour, he said: "So now we arrive at the Labour Party, and I am sorry, but I cannot find a single redeeming feature.

"In the entire campaign so far, not a single candidate has said one word that I agree with.

"Their manifesto contains just 87 words on farming.

"It has even been suggested that inheritance tax will have to be paid on farm land.

"Which means that in about 20 years' time, there will be no farmland.

"And therefore no food, apart from in all the town-centre, nuclear-free, South African peace stores, where you will be able to buy sustainable tofu.

"I get, of course, that people are fed up with the Tories, but I would rather vote for my dog.

"Which is why, come polling day, I am praying there is a box on the ballot paper which says, 'anyone but Labour'."

The Labour Party have been approached for comment.

Kickstart your apprenticeship journey with

£±Ê°¿´¡

DO YOU HAVE LAND?

£±Ê°¿´¡

BNG NNH2O Carbon | National Sale | Informal

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Politics

Defra pays out £57 million to farmers impacted by flooding

Defra pays out £57 million to farmers impacted by flooding

According to Defra, around 13,000 farmers were impacted by severe wet weather, including Storms Henk and Babet, between October and March last year

Rachael Brown
clock 27 November 2024 • 2 min read
Defra confirms some capital grants will be 'temporarily closed' due to 'unprecedented demand'

Defra confirms some capital grants will be 'temporarily closed' due to 'unprecedented demand'

Defra confirmed 76 grant items have been impacted. For farmers who have applied for a grant that is temporarily withdrawn, their application will be put on hold and will be contacted early next year

Rachael Brown
clock 27 November 2024 • 2 min read
Former Conservative Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg accused of 'hypocrisy' over farmer support

Former Conservative Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg accused of 'hypocrisy' over farmer support

The Sturdy family are waiting to hear the outcome of an appeal hearing which could result in around half of their arable farm being taken out of production for a solar farm. The Sturdy family's landlord is the FitzWilliam Trust Corporation. Ms Sturdy has claimed that one of its six trustees, Lady Helena Rees-Mogg, is the wife of Sir Jacob

Rachael Brown
clock 27 November 2024 • 2 min read