51AVÊÓÆµ

Defra Secretary's 'warm words' at Oxford Farming Conference 'unjustified' without Inheritance Tax U-turn

How have farmers reacted to the Defra Secretary's speech?

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Ben Aveling, of Radmore 51AVÊÓÆµin Towcester, said: "He had a chance to redeem himself today. There are some good ideas in there and that farming should solely be for food production. But if there is no U-turn on Inheritance Tax, it does not matter what plans you have for the future because there will be no farms out there. You cannot have plans for the future of farming and then have plans to take them away. It is a privilege to be a farmer but you cannot tell me these plans will work if there are no farms. It will not work without them."
Image:

Ben Aveling, of Radmore 51AVÊÓÆµin Towcester, said: "He had a chance to redeem himself today. There are some good ideas in there and that farming should solely be for food production. But if there is no U-turn on Inheritance Tax, it does not matter what plans you have for the future because there will be no farms out there. You cannot have plans for the future of farming and then have plans to take them away. It is a privilege to be a farmer but you cannot tell me these plans will work if there are no farms. It will not work without them."

Defra Secretary Steve Reed has failed to grasp farmer's concerns surrounding Inheritance Tax changes at the Oxford Farming Conference. Mr Reed delivered his speech, containing more than 3,000 words,...

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 51AVÊÓÆµBusiness

Farming Minister confirms Baroness Batters' report will be released in 'matter of days'

Farming Minister confirms Baroness Batters' report will be released in 'matter of days'

Dame Angela Eagle sets out her vision for farming and says SFI will be 'simpler and fairer' with more farmers able to benefit

clock 16 December 2025 • 3 min read
Around 75% of farmers receive stewardship support payment

Around 75% of farmers receive stewardship support payment

RPA chief says team has worked hard to improve payment system and timing

clock 15 December 2025 • 2 min read
Defra unveils first £2.3m tech fund roll-out

Defra unveils first £2.3m tech fund roll-out

Green energy, peat-free compost and nutrient planning among first projects to receive share of ADOPT cash

clock 15 December 2025 • 2 min read