'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."
Image:

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...

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
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

Iran war - Kemi Badenoch: "We need to make sure we can grow more of our own food"
Politics

Iran war - Kemi Badenoch: "We need to make sure we can grow more of our own food"

Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch told Farmers Guardian that conflict in the Middle East must be a wake up call for the Government to back food production in the UK

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 24 March 2026 • 4 min read
What does Wild Justices' Judicial Review mean for Dartmoor and beyond?
Politics

What does Wild Justices' Judicial Review mean for Dartmoor and beyond?

The Judicial Review into the management of Dartmoor Commons could spell bad news for statutory bodies managing livestock in Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Areas of Conservation

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 22 March 2026 • 2 min read
What impact is the Middle East conflict having and what can farmers do?
Politics

What impact is the Middle East conflict having and what can farmers do?

Domestic fertiliser, fuel, feed and commodity markets could all be impacted by the war

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 20 March 2026 • 3 min read