Farm tax reforms a betrayal of UK agriculture
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has accused the Labour Government of betraying the UK’s agricultural industry and generations of farmers who work tirelessly to feed the nation.
She was commenting as the Chancellor’s ‘farm tax grab’ policy reforms kicked in this week.
Carla Lockhart MP has been a strong critic of the inheritance tax changes, warning they pose a serious threat to the future of family farming across Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
The MP said: “The revised changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), are nothing short of a direct attack on our agri-food sector. The eleventh-hour increase in the threshold from £1m to £2.5 million per individual is an improvement to the original proposals, but it still falls short of what is needed to safeguard the majority of farm businesses in Northern Ireland.
“From 6th April 2026 many farms face significant inheritance tax liabilities due to high land values and asset-rich but cash-poor business structures. More than 24,000 local farms could be disproportionately impacted. This situation is untenable and could force families to sell land or break up viable farms simply to meet tax demands.”
Ms Lockhart also pointed to ongoing uncertainty within the sector, as farmers await the outcome of the recent two-day judicial review heard at the High Court in London.
“The fight against the ‘family farm tax’ is far from over, with farmers and industry stakeholders continuing to campaign for the policy to be scrapped entirely.
“In the meantime, I would urge farmers and family-owned businesses to take proactive steps to safeguard their future. Farm businesses with assets valued above the inheritance tax threshold should review succession plans, wills, and ownership structures. It is also advisable to consider measures such as early gifting or restructuring, where possible.”
The MP cautioned against rushed decisions, stressing the importance of seeking professional advice from solicitors and accountants before making any significant changes.
Ms Lockhart concluded by expressing her continued support for the farming community, encouraging resilience in the face of ongoing challenges and reaffirming her commitment to lobbying for the reversal of the policy.
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