The Ulster Farmers’ Union has criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves for failing to engage with farmers over inheritance tax concerns that have sparked widespread protests.
Deputy President John McLenaghan revealed that despite repeated attempts to arrange meetings with Reeves and the Treasury, farming representatives have received no positive response.
“Unfortunately Rachel Reeves has not engaged with us, that is the big problem,” McLenaghan told GB News.
He expressed disappointment at the Government’s unwillingness to meet with farming bodies to discuss the contentious issue.
McLenaghan has hit out at Sir Keir Starmer for his lack of response to the farmer protest against the inheritance tax changes
GB News / PA
The National Farmers’ Union has strongly disputed Whitehall claims that the measure would only affect the wealthiest quarter of landowners.
“Vacuums are always dangerous,” McLenaghan warned, emphasising the unity among farmers facing these challenges.
As pressure on Labour to U-turn on the decision grows, supermarket chain Morrisons became the first major retailer to publicly back farmers in their fight against the proposed inheritance tax changes.
Sophie Throup, Morrisons’ head of agriculture, released a video message on social media expressing solidarity with Britain’s farming community.
Morrisons said it shares farmers’ concerns about the impact of Labour’s actionsGetty
“We want to send a message of support today for the whole of the farming community,” Throup said in her statement.
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She acknowledged farmers’ concerns, stating: “We understand your anger and your frustrations at the inheritance tax, and we’re with you.”
Supporting protesting farmers across the country, McLenaghan expressed understanding for those who have taken to protest action across England in recent weeks.
“I can fully understand why some farmers last week across England decided that they wanted to take the action further, and I condone the actions they did, I cannot condemn that action in any way,” he told GB News.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union Deputy President said these protests demonstrate the level of frustration within the farming industry.
McLenaghan told GB News that they are yet to receive a ‘positive response’ from Labour
GB News
He emphasised that farmers are united in this struggle, regardless of their position.
“Whether I’m standing here wearing a suit or out on my tractor wearing a boiler suit, it makes no difference. This is all farmers together,” McLenaghan stated.
The protests have included demonstrations at Westminster as farmers voice their opposition to the proposed tax changes.
McLenaghan pointed to where he believes the solution lies, stating: “The answers to all this lie with Treasury and lie with the Prime Minister.”
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