NFU sets out new approach to challenge loss of IHT relief

The NFU is planning a fresh campaign to engage directly with Labour MPs in rural constituencies, to convince them of the folly of the chancellor’s plan to impose inheritance tax (IHT) on family farms.

Lobbying by the NFU to alter the government’s controversial changes to IHT, have so far fallen on deaf ears at the Treasury.

This is despite mass farming rallies in Westminster and suggestions of a clawback mechanism as an alternative approach for government.

See also: Farmers block Defra minister’s exit in Tavistock protest

Addressing this week’s NFU council meeting in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, president Tom Bradshaw said: “The fight doesn’t stop, but it’s just very, very different now.”

He called on NFU members to write and meet in person with Labour MPs, suggesting the only way now to persuade Labour to change the policy was through the party itself.

Mr Bradshaw said: “There is no other way we can make Labour change their course and direction on this.

“We will continue engaging and targeting those Labour MP’s with positive engagement.”

Letter writing

The NFU plans to make it easier for its members to contact local MPs by providing farming constituents support through a letter writing campaign.

Mr Bradshaw added: “We know there was one Welsh labour MP, after he had been on a farm visit and heard from the elderly generation, that if they could take a tablet before April 2026, they would.

“That’s what made him stand up and say he cannot support this policy. That’s what will win this.”

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones indicated that lobbying work would continue, but it would have to take a long term view.

Mr Jones said: “There are 32 MPs in Wales, 27 are Labour MPs, and three of those have stated publicly that they are not content with the (IHT) proposals.”

He added that everything done so far has attracted public support, and this should not be underestimated.

“I’m still reeling from that Treasury meeting, but after coming out, I made a commitment to myself not to give in.”

Calls for less direct action

However, the NFU has warned that some recent direct action by the wider farming sector, such as blockading ministers, could be having a detrimental effect on negotiations.

Mr Bradshaw said: “What we see behind the scenes is how some of the actions that have gone too far genuinely risk and compromise that access to government, which is so important.”

“The biggest danger is that we remove the ability to have that engagement with MPs.

“If they feel threatened and feel they are not going to be able to get out of those meetings, if they are worried about turning up because of the abuse that they fear they will receive, then they are not going to engage with us and we will not get them to a place that they are willing to challenge the Treasury, which is where this decision ultimately lies.”