Labour’s brutal inheritance tax overhaul has sparked fury across the farming industry, with Britain’s biggest supermarkets now joining the fight.
Every major UK retailer—from Tesco and Asda to Aldi and Waitrose—has publicly voiced concerns over the Government’s proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), warning that the move will cripple family farms and undermine Britain’s food security.
SUPERMARKETS DEMAND A PAUSE
The pressure on Labour follows intense behind-the-scenes talks between supermarket bosses and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU). The NFU has now launched a pledge for industry leaders to sign, calling for the Government to pause and consult before ploughing ahead with the tax changes.
At a major show of strength last week, business leaders at the LAMMA farming exhibition joined NFU President Tom Bradshaw and NFU Cymru President Aled Jones to push back against Labour’s plans.
Bradshaw said he had never seen such unity from retailers on a single farming issue, adding:
“The NFU has been talking privately to retailers for some weeks and it is heartening to hear their statements of support for the NFU campaign and British farmers.”
“It is clear to me that they all understand how farmers stand to be impacted by this hugely serious issue.”
The NFU is rallying support for its Stop the Family Farm Tax campaign, as fears grow that Labour’s changes could destroy generations-old farms, drive up food prices, and threaten the UK’s ability to feed itself.
WHAT SUPERMARKETS ARE SAYING
- Morrisons – “We understand your anger and frustrations at the inheritance tax and we’re with you.”
- Tesco – “One message is loud and clear: farmers desperately need more certainty… It’s why we’ll be supporting the NFU’s calls for a pause.”
- Co-op – “We have directly contacted government to urge them to reconsider the tax changes.”
- Lidl – “We will be raising our concerns with government at every opportunity.”
- Asda – “We need a confident farming sector. We will be supporting the NFU’s campaign to pause these changes.”
- Ocado – “We join the NFU’s call for consultation on inheritance tax.”
- Aldi – “We are supporting the farming community’s calls for the Government to pause the implementation of its proposed changes.”
- Marks & Spencer – “Many of our farmers run small farms that have been in their families for generations. We support calls to pause these changes.”
- Waitrose – “Agriculture is the backbone of rural Britain. The government must consider the impact of these changes.”
- Sainsbury’s – “I would urge the government to work closely with farmers and listen to their concerns.”
LABOUR FACES BACKLASH OVER RURAL TAX GRAB
Farmers and retailers alike are warning that Labour’s inheritance tax raid will strangle investment, crush family farms, and devastate the UK’s food supply chain.
Supermarkets are making it clear: this tax grab must be stopped. Will Keir Starmer listen, or will he plough ahead and put Britain’s farms—and food security—at risk?
Watch this space.
Find out more at the NFU.
Main photo: For illustration only. Image created by Grok.
