'Treasury has finally started to back down' - Farming champion Alistair Carmichael praises farmers' vital role in IHT policy shift

Efra Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael has praised the spirit, endurance, and resilience of farmers in securing IHT changes, but he has berated the Government for not acting on the industry’s concerns sooner

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said: "But be in no doubt, this is a major concession and it is something that has only happened because everybody in the countryside, all the farming unions, all the countryside groups, all got together, campaigned hard and spoke with a single voice. If you were one of these people, if you had a banner tied to your gate, if you drove a tractor or signed a petition, you have played a part in this quite remarkable victory today."
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Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said: "But be in no doubt, this is a major concession and it is something that has only happened because everybody in the countryside, all the farming unions, all the countryside groups, all got together, campaigned hard and spoke with a single voice. If you were one of these people, if you had a banner tied to your gate, if you drove a tractor or signed a petition, you have played a part in this quite remarkable victory today."

One of farming's most passionate and dedicated champions has praised the efforts of rural communities and organisations in securing a change of heart in Government on the family farm tax. Orkney and...

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