Victoria Atkins, a seasoned Conservative MP, has openly criticised Labour’s stance on the family farm tax during a recent visit to Louth’s historic livestock market. Labelled as ‘City Steve’, Defra Secretary Steve Reed has been blasted for his minimal interaction with the farming community, having visited a mere four farms since his appointment following the last General Election in July. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ modifications to Inheritance Tax regulations in her autumn budget, particularly impacting Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief on farming and business assets, has further stoked the flames of discontent. Under the new policy, from April 2026, agricultural assets valued over £1 million will be liable to a 20% tax. Atkins has lambasted the decision, highlighting the anxiety and despair felt by the rural community in the face of what she has called ‘dreadful policies’ implemented by the ‘urbanite government’. Atkins has stated her commitment to abolishing the family farm tax and supporting rural businesses, urging the community to hold on until the next election. She expressed concern over the potential financial strain on families, who could face tax bills amounting to hundreds of thousands, or even £1 million, should a loved one pass away after the tax is enforced. Atkins has also criticised Defra’s Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner for his purported lack of engagement with the farming community since the autumn budget, a claim Defra strongly denies. Atkins emphasised the importance of agriculture to local communities, particularly in the context of Louth’s cattlemarket, which serves not only as a focal point of the town’s identity, but also as a key social hub for farmers. Finally, she expressed hope that PM Keir Starmer could negotiate a favourable deal in light of President Donald Trump’s 10% tariff imposed on UK exports to the US, whilst prioritising the interests of British farming.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
