Sir Keir Starmer has distanced himself from comments made by a senior adviser to Tony Blair after he said we don't need small farmers during a discussion about the fury among farmers towards the inheritance tax rises announced in the Budget. John McTernan's remarks caused an uproar as he suggested that family farming could be seen as an industry the UK could do without, as farmers protested against the planned inheritance tax hikes that threaten their livelihoods.
The planned inheritance tax changes, colloquially known as the 'tractor tax', are set to impose a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets worth over £1 million from April 2026. Farmers have voiced concerns that this policy could jeopardize the UK's food security, as many fear it will precipitate the closure of family-run farms, which play a crucial role in local production and community sustenance.
Starmer's response that he 'totally disagrees' with McTernan's views indicates a clear party line and a desire to distance himself from the controversial comments. It reflects an acknowledgment of the importance of small farmers to the UK economy and the broader implications of government policies on the agricultural sector.
McTernan’s comparison of potential protests by farmers to the miners' strikes of the 1980s, where heavy-handed tactics were employed, underscores an alarming approach to handling dissent. His harsh stance raises questions about government responsiveness to the concerns of essential industries, particularly in times of economic uncertainty and increasing public dissatisfaction.
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