Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with farmers, listening to their stories, and hearing their frustration over Labour’s inheritance tax policy.
This new policy, which alters Agricultural Property Relief (APR), is a devastating blow to family-owned farms.
Limiting this relief makes it almost impossible for farming families to pass down their land without facing crushing inheritance tax bills, forcing them to sell parts or even the entirety of their farms.
The anger is palpable. Many farmers feel betrayed, not just by the policy, but by a government seemingly out of touch with the realities of farming life. This is not just about abstract economics—it’s about real people, real families, and the future of rural Britain.
Farmers across the country have been alarmed by the government’s recent budget changes to APR. Currently, APR allows farms to be passed down without incurring inheritance tax, if the land remains in use for farming. However, the Chancellor’s budget now limits the 100% relief to just the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business property. Anything above that will incur a 20% tax rate instead of the standard 40% for other estates.
While the government claims the policy targets wealthy landowners, it risks devastating small family farms, which are the backbone of British agriculture. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that the higher tax burdens will ultimately push up food prices, while the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) notes that a typical 200-acre farm could face an inheritance tax bill of £435,000—more than 150% of its annual profit—forcing the sale of land to cover the cost.
This policy has far-reaching consequences. If family farms are forced to sell to larger corporations or foreign buyers, we lose control over our food security, the quality of what we consume, and our independence from global markets. The economic impact would be catastrophic for rural economies, which rely on small family farms for jobs, growth, and sustainability.
The mental and emotional toll on the farming community is equally devastating. Reports of farmers being pushed to the brink are heartbreaking. One farmer tragically took his own life after hearing about the new tax, a grim reminder that this issue is not just about numbers on a balance sheet—it’s about lives.
That’s why I’m calling on everyone who values British farming to act. We cannot allow our farmers to be forced into impossible situations. Write to your MPs, sign petitions, and spread the word. It’s time to stand up and make it clear that this policy is unacceptable.
On 19 November (Tuesday), I’ll be joining the protest in Westminster to demand that this disastrous inheritance tax be reversed. We expect between 5,000 and 10,000 people to attend.
I urge you to sign up and join us at: https://agriwebmedia.typeform.com/to/v4NNbWxh?typeform-source=www.fwi.co.uk.
Your participation will make a difference. Until then, visit my Facebook page to watch videos from the farmers I have met at facebook.com/MatthewJBridger.
Let’s make sure the government listens. Our farmers are the backbone of our nation’s food security—it’s time to show them the support they deserve.
About Matthew J. Bridger
Matthew J. Bridger is an award-winning entrepreneur, media figure, and campaigner, known for his innovative work in business, social impact, and community service. At just 24, he has already made significant strides across various sectors, including entrepreneurship, media, politics, and philanthropy. His achievements have been recognised with multiple awards including being named as the UK Prime Minister’s 2241st Points of Light Award Recipient under Rishi Sunak. He currently holds the positions of Councillor for Kennington Ward and Vice Chairman on Kennington Community Council and is Deputy Chairman of the Ashford Conservative Association as well as the Ashford Young Conservatives. Matthew has in the past served as a Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party to 4 MPs and 3 Conservative Associations and has also worked as a Senior Communications Advisor to a Member of Parliament.
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