Defra Secretary's 'warm words' at Oxford Farming Conference 'unjustified' without Inheritance Tax U-turn

How have farmers reacted to the Defra Secretary's speech?

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Ben Aveling, of Radmore Farm in Towcester, said: "He had a chance to redeem himself today. There are some good ideas in there and that farming should solely be for food production. But if there is no U-turn on Inheritance Tax, it does not matter what plans you have for the future because there will be no farms out there. You cannot have plans for the future of farming and then have plans to take them away. It is a privilege to be a farmer but you cannot tell me these plans will work if there are no farms. It will not work without them."
Image:

Ben Aveling, of Radmore Farm in Towcester, said: "He had a chance to redeem himself today. There are some good ideas in there and that farming should solely be for food production. But if there is no U-turn on Inheritance Tax, it does not matter what plans you have for the future because there will be no farms out there. You cannot have plans for the future of farming and then have plans to take them away. It is a privilege to be a farmer but you cannot tell me these plans will work if there are no farms. It will not work without them."

Defra Secretary Steve Reed has failed to grasp farmer's concerns surrounding Inheritance Tax changes at the Oxford Farming Conference. Mr Reed delivered his speech, containing more than 3,000 words,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Business

Staffordshire County Council halt sales of county farms

Staffordshire County Council halt sales of county farms

Reform UK Deputy Leader of Staffordshire County Council Martin Murray said there was now a ‘total ban’ on the sale of county farms

Alex Black
clock 06 November 2025 • 2 min read
Next Welsh Government budget should back farmers, urges NFU Cymru

Next Welsh Government budget should back farmers, urges NFU Cymru

President Aled Jones says agriculture must be at forefront of policies as race for Senedd begins

clock 06 November 2025 • 2 min read
Baroness Batters' Farm Profitability Review calls for 'fundamental reset'

Baroness Batters' Farm Profitability Review calls for 'fundamental reset'

Former NFU president says the report sets out a sobering picture of farm finances that must not be ignored by Government

clock 05 November 2025 • 2 min read