Farmers are furious with the Government over its inheritance tax raid (Image: Danny Lawson)
Labour has been accused of plotting the “slow death” of thousands of traditional English farms to meet environmental targets.
The Government wants farmers to shift away from food production towards measures like solar panels and tree planting.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Link Sponsored Link
Promoted Links Promoted Links
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
McDonald's must prove it hasn't forgotten farmers being taxed out of existence
11 Comments
Hundreds of farm shops at risk in 'real tragedy' after Rachel Reeves's Budget
8 Comments
Farmers to be dealt yet another blow by Labour in net zero target scramble
39 Comments
Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh defends Jeremy Clarkson amid battle with Labour
3 Comments
Rachel Reeves annihilated by furious Jeremy Clarkson with stinging six words
19 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued horror supermarket supply warning as she places farmers on the brink
589 Comments
Flood defences ramped up with ￡2.6bn fund after climate threat rises
31 Comments
The UK towns most at risk if Rachel Reeves unleashes brutal new tax chaos
146 Comments
Waitrose Valentine's Day bouquets: how they are doing a bunch of good
Comments
Rachel Reeves made me want to quit farming forever - Labour tax hikes are crazy
18 Comments
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward give rare insight into their marriage on Nepal trip
8 Comments
Labour MP warns his party's inheritance tax raid is making farmers wish for early deaths
10 Comments
Jeremy Clarkson warns Rachel Reeves she's made a 'big mistake' over inheritance tax
5 Comments
Iceland boss slams Rachel Reeves' farm tax after supporting Labour during election
25 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves issued food security warning as war with farmers rages
55 Comments
Countryfile star Adam Henson warns Rachel Reeves's Budget 'hurts' British farming
218 Comments
Mattress Can’t Fit In The Lift? This Mattr ess Comes In A BoxSkyler Mattress
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Farmers hold mass protest against 'punitive death tax'
1 Comments
McDonald's told they must join campaign against Rachel Reeves' tax if they value farmers
9 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kemi Badenoch slams Starmer over net zero land grab which risks sparking farmer fury
11 Comments
Labour's broken promises to farmers are about to get a whole lot worse - here's how
5 Comments
香港长者医疗保险： 价格可能会让您大吃 一惊 - 做好準备！私人保险|搜寻广告
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
McDonald's must prove it hasn't forgotten farmers being taxed out of existence
11 Comments
Hundreds of farm shops at risk in 'real tragedy' after Rachel Reeves's Budget
8 Comments
Mattress Can’t Fit In The Lift? This Mattr ess Comes In A BoxSkyler Mattress
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Farmers to be dealt yet another blow by Labour in net zero target scramble
39 Comments
Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh defends Jeremy Clarkson amid battle with Labour
3 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves annihilated by furious Jeremy Clarkson with stinging six words
19 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued horror supermarket supply warning as she places farmers on the brink
589 Comments
Mattress Can’t Fit In The Lift? This Mattr ess Comes In A BoxSkyler Mattress
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Flood defences ramped up with ￡2.6bn fund after climate threat rises
31 Comments
The UK towns most at risk if Rachel Reeves unleashes brutal new tax chaos
146 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Waitrose Valentine's Day bouquets: how they are doing a bunch of good
Comments
Rachel Reeves made me want to quit farming forever - Labour tax hikes are crazy
18 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward give rare insight into their marriage on Nepal trip
8 Comments
Labour MP warns his party's inheritance tax raid is making farmers wish for early deaths
10 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Jeremy Clarkson warns Rachel Reeves she's made a 'big mistake' over inheritance tax
5 Comments
Iceland boss slams Rachel Reeves' farm tax after supporting Labour during election
25 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued food security warning as war with farmers rages
55 Comments
Countryfile star Adam Henson warns Rachel Reeves's Budget 'hurts' British farming
218 Comments
Farmers hold mass protest against 'punitive death tax'
1 Comments
McDonald's told they must join campaign against Rachel Reeves' tax if they value farmers
9 Comments
Kemi Badenoch slams Starmer over net zero land grab which risks sparking farmer fury
11 Comments
Labour's broken promises to farmers are about to get a whole lot worse - here's how
5 Comments
McDonald's must prove it hasn't forgotten farmers being taxed out of existence
11 Comments
Hundreds of farm shops at risk in 'real tragedy' after Rachel Reeves's Budget
8 Comments
Farmers to be dealt yet another blow by Labour in net zero target scramble
39 Comments
Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh defends Jeremy Clarkson amid battle with Labour
3 Comments
Rachel Reeves annihilated by furious Jeremy Clarkson with stinging six words
19 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued horror supermarket supply warning as she places farmers on the brink
589 Comments
Flood defences ramped up with ￡2.6bn fund after climate threat rises
31 Comments
Its eco-plans could mean the equivalent of 12,000 farms closing within a generation, according to Tory analysis.
Farmers have slammed the move as an “attack on Britain’s rural identity” which threatens the nation’s food security.
About 9% of England’s farming land will need to be converted into forest and wild habitats by 2050 to meet the Government’s net zero and nature targets.
Sponsored
efinancialcareers Read More
Why this finance profession al has five designations - and counting
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Former environment secretary Steve Barclay said: “Before the last election, I warned that Labour’s eco plans would force thousands of farmers out of business – and the Government’s own documents now show this was correct.
“Labour’s published plans would force the equivalent of 12,000 farm businesses to close within a generation – and the reality could be even worse.
“This is in stark contrast to my focus as Secretary of State on better supporting food production, aligning nature schemes with improvements to soil quality and farm productivity so that food production and nature went hand in hand.”
The Government, which is consulting on its plans, insisted not all farms will close and some will just change the use of part of their land.
Get the latest politics news straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
But its own figures, released alongside its consultation on a Land Use Framework last week, showed thousands of farmers will be encouraged to move away from their food production businesses.
The Government said 760,000 hectares of land will be subject to “category four” land use change by 2050.
This describes a shift away from agricultural land to being fully dedicated to delivering environmental and climate benefits.
Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have found the average size of a UK farm was 81 hectares, meaning that an equivalent of 9,383 average UK farms will be subject to this complete shift away from food production.
A further 430,000 hectares would be subject to “category 3.2” land use change, which would only include “limited food production”.
Estimates by Mr Barclay, who conducted the analysis, suggested this will remove at least a further 219,300 hectares from food production – the equivalent of another 2,707 average UK farms. This is based on the “most generous assumption” of 51%.
It means to meet Labour’s targets, the equivalent of 12,000 UK farms will need to shut down the way they operate and switch by 2050.
James Wright, farmers and policy director at the Conservative Rural Forum, said: “Not content with the family farm tax, Labour’s Land Use Framework is a blueprint for the slow death of British farming.
"The Government's figures admit they want to encourage up to 12,000 farms to turn their backs on food production. This risks turning our countryside into a carbon offset scheme for corporations while jeopardising our food security.
“This isn’t just an attack on farmers, it’s an attack on Britain’s rural identity, our economy, and the families who feed the nation.”
Farmers have told the Express they fear the Government has heaped inheritance tax on farmers in a bid to force them to sell and use the land for net zero targets.
The Daily Express has demanded that the Government U-turn on this through the Save Britain’s Family Farms crusade.
Trending
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
YouTube farmer Olly Harrison called the tax raid “morally short-sighted”.
He said: “What do they think we’re going to eat? Every day people need to eat, so importing it from another country just adds more climate footprint. It’s bonkers.
“We’ve asked for conversations to discuss it with them but they just seem to be [ignoring us]. There’s no conversation. It’s morally short-sighted.”
The 43-year-old fourth-generation farmer previously told the Express he could be forced to sell some of the farm when he inherits it from his 76-year-old father Thomas to pay his tax bills.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves placed a 20% inheritance tax on farmers’ assets worth more than ￡1million in her October Budget from April next year.
Farmer Andrew Ward, who helped organise London protests last year, said: "I bet everyone who voted for Labour is now realising that they voted to live under a dictatorship because that's virtually what this country has become.
"The only good thing, possibly, might be that the Labour Party won't last more than their first term of government, so hopefully none of these things will actually take place, but it's ludicrous to say taking land out of production won't affect food security.
"We need to import less, not more. It's crazy to think that on the one hand they say we need to take land out of producing food to look after the environment more, and then they go and announce a third runway for Heathrow Airport.
"You just couldn't write it. They really don't know what they're doing and the sooner they're out of government, the better."
Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "A land use framework is an important step forward in determining how we go forward for farming, nature and net zero.
"This should not, however, be about partitioning up the countryside but ensuring that we deliver all requirements together in the most effective way. The future is farming and nature, not farming or nature".
A government spokesman said: “This is absolute nonsense.
“The Land Use Framework will not tell anyone what to do with their land. Instead, we will publish the most sophisticated land use data ever published to empower farmers to boost their profits and make the most out of their land.”
DON'T MISS
Powered by
McDonald's must prove it hasn't forgotten farmers being taxed out of existence
11 Comments
Hundreds of farm shops at risk in 'real tragedy' after Rachel Reeves's Budget
8 Comments
Farmers to be dealt yet another blow by Labour in net zero target scramble
39 Comments
Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh defends Jeremy Clarkson amid battle with Labour
3 Comments
Rachel Reeves annihilated by furious Jeremy Clarkson with stinging six words
19 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued horror supermarket supply warning as she places farmers on the brink
589 Comments
Flood defences ramped up with ￡2.6bn fund after climate threat rises
31 Comments
The UK towns most at risk if Rachel Reeves unleashes brutal new tax chaos
146 Comments
Waitrose Valentine's Day bouquets: how they are doing a bunch of good
Comments
Rachel Reeves made me want to quit farming forever - Labour tax hikes are crazy
18 Comments
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward give rare insight into their marriage on Nepal trip
8 Comments
Labour MP warns his party's inheritance tax raid is making farmers wish for early deaths
10 Comments
Jeremy Clarkson warns Rachel Reeves she's made a 'big mistake' over inheritance tax
5 Comments
Iceland boss slams Rachel Reeves' farm tax after supporting Labour during election
25 Comments
医师「涂抹後斑点就会消失喔」40多岁女性的脸1个月就激变japonelifeskeem-hk.com 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves issued food security warning as war with farmers rages
55 Comments
Countryfile star Adam Henson warns Rachel Reeves's Budget 'hurts' British farming
218 Comments
2024: 香港长者可负担的私人医疗保险私人保险|搜寻广告
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Farmers hold mass protest against 'punitive death tax'
1 Comments
McDonald's told they must join campaign against Rachel Reeves' tax if they value farmers
9 Comments
Mattress Can’t Fit In The Lift? This Mattr ess Comes In A BoxSkyler Mattress
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Kemi Badenoch slams Starmer over net zero land grab which risks sparking farmer fury
11 Comments
Labour's broken promises to farmers are about to get a whole lot worse - here's how
5 Comments
Skyler 记忆棉床褥 - HK$3,424 起Skyler Mattress 立即选购
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
McDonald's must prove it hasn't forgotten farmers being taxed out of existence
11 Comments
Hundreds of farm shops at risk in 'real tragedy' after Rachel Reeves's Budget
8 Comments
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Farmers to be dealt yet another blow by Labour in net zero target scramble
39 Comments
Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh defends Jeremy Clarkson amid battle with Labour
3 Comments
立即点击了解更多" data-item-thumb="https://cdn.taboola.com/libtrc/static/thumbnails/6d8c1063da35f646716cc4a24a585165.jpg" data-item-syndicated="true" class="videoCube trc_spotlight_item origin-undefined textItem thumbnail_top videoCube_1_child syndicatedItem trc-first-recommendation trc-spotlight-first-recommendation trc_excludable">
立即点击了解更多" target="_blank" class="item-label-href video-cta-style non-feed-cta-item" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored" href="http://www.veno.com.hk/compression-stockings-hkm.html?tblci=GiBbjkv0StMp3aUDldgmzFfLrLiYoSJlSpb8IF_A2qUKniDSl2Qo85iu-pD8z4CkATCw9FM#tblciGiBbjkv0StMp3aUDldgmzFfLrLiYoSJlSpb8IF_A2qUKniDSl2Qo85iu-pD8z4CkATCw9FM" attributionsrc="" data-mrf-layout="" data-mrf-layout-anchor="" data-mrf-link="http://www.veno.com.hk/compression-stockings-hkm.html?tblci=GiBbjkv0StMp3aUDldgmzFfLrLiYoSJlSpb8IF_A2qUKniDSl2Qo85iu-pD8z4CkATCw9FM#tblciGiBbjkv0StMp3aUDldgmzFfLrLiYoSJlSpb8IF_A2qUKniDSl2Qo85iu-pD8z4CkATCw9FM" cmp-ltrk="Mantis Footer" cmp-ltrk-idx="46" mrfobservableid="d69b5cd3-662b-4d90-bc84-5d2c66ebd6ac"> 想了解腿部青筋有多严重>立即点击了解更多Veno Leg Vein Clinic 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Rachel Reeves annihilated by furious Jeremy Clarkson with stinging six words
19 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued horror supermarket supply warning as she places farmers on the brink
589 Comments
香港长者医疗保险： 价格可能会让您大吃 一惊 - 做好準备！私人保险|搜寻广告
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Flood defences ramped up with ￡2.6bn fund after climate threat rises
31 Comments
The UK towns most at risk if Rachel Reeves unleashes brutal new tax chaos
146 Comments
Why this finance professional has five designations - and countingefinancialcareers Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Waitrose Valentine's Day bouquets: how they are doing a bunch of good
Comments
Rachel Reeves made me want to quit farming forever - Labour tax hikes are crazy
18 Comments
香港长者的廉价私人医疗保险私人保险|搜寻广告
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Duchess Sophie and Prince Edward give rare insight into their marriage on Nepal trip
8 Comments
Labour MP warns his party's inheritance tax raid is making farmers wish for early deaths
10 Comments
眼袋看起来老10岁！只是涂万宁买的「这个」japonelifeskeem-hk.com 了解更多
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Jeremy Clarkson warns Rachel Reeves she's made a 'big mistake' over inheritance tax
5 Comments
Iceland boss slams Rachel Reeves' farm tax after supporting Labour during election
25 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued food security warning as war with farmers rages
55 Comments
Countryfile star Adam Henson warns Rachel Reeves's Budget 'hurts' British farming
218 Comments
Farmers hold mass protest against 'punitive death tax'
1 Comments
McDonald's told they must join campaign against Rachel Reeves' tax if they value farmers
9 Comments
Kemi Badenoch slams Starmer over net zero land grab which risks sparking farmer fury
11 Comments
Labour's broken promises to farmers are about to get a whole lot worse - here's how
5 Comments
McDonald's must prove it hasn't forgotten farmers being taxed out of existence
11 Comments
Hundreds of farm shops at risk in 'real tragedy' after Rachel Reeves's Budget
8 Comments
Farmers to be dealt yet another blow by Labour in net zero target scramble
39 Comments
Gardeners' World star Alan Titchmarsh defends Jeremy Clarkson amid battle with Labour
3 Comments
Rachel Reeves annihilated by furious Jeremy Clarkson with stinging six words
19 Comments
Rachel Reeves issued horror supermarket supply warning as she places farmers on the brink
589 Comments
Flood defences ramped up with ￡2.6bn fund after climate threat rises
31 Comments
Mattress Can’t Fit In The Lift? This Mattress...Skyler Mattress
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Skyler 记忆棉床褥 - HK$3,424 起Skyler Mattress
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
平和基金戒赌热线平和基金
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
香港长者医疗保险： 价格可能会让您大吃一惊 -...私人保险|搜寻广告
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
A Labour spokesperson: “It’s normal for a Tory to criticise the Government. It’s quite unusual for a backbencher to criticise his own record."
“Steve Barclay seems to have accidentally taken a pop at himself, having fought an election to introduce this policy just 7 months ago.
“I suggest he goes back and reads his own manifesto.”