Kemi Badenoch forces vote to ‘save family farms’

The stage is set for a political showdown on 4 December as Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives prepare to bring a vote on Labour’s contentious inheritance tax (IHT) reforms, dubbed the “family farm tax”.

The motion, tabled during the Opposition Day debate, aims to scrap plans that would see farms valued over £1m lose full agricultural property relief (APR), forcing rural families to pay significant taxes on their land.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting dissent within his party, with up to 60 Labour MPs expected to abstain and 114 rural representatives under intense pressure from their constituencies.

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The proposed tax overhaul has ignited fury among farmers and rural communities, who warn it threatens the survival of family farms and the country’s food security.

“This isn’t just about inheritance tax; it’s about the future of British farming,” said Victoria Atkins, shadow Defra secretary.

“Labour MPs must choose: will they save the family farm or turn their backs on rural communities?”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the IHT changes in the Autumn Budget, limiting relief to the first £1m of farm and business property, with anything above taxed at 20%.

The government claims the policy will only affect about 500 farms a year, and only the wealthiest estates, but data from the NFU suggests three-quarters of farmers will be impacted.

‘Build the pressure’ – NFU chief

Farmers have rallied against the reforms, with over 13,000 demonstrating in London last month.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw called on members to “build the pressure again” ahead of the vote, while the Countryside Alliance urged the public to inundate MPs with messages opposing the tax.

“This is an existential threat to farming,” said Mo Metcalf-Fisher, of the Countryside Alliance.

“Labour’s policy is alarmingly short-sighted. MPs must stand up for farmers and demand a rethink before it’s too late.”

Though Wednesday’s vote is non-binding, it will serve as a litmus test for Labour’s unity and rural support.

The Countryside Alliance is urging opponents of the policy, dubbed “the family farm tax”, to complete their easy-to-use e-lobby platform to contact their local MP.