Farmers’ Fears of Inheritance Tax Lead to Tragic Consequences
The shadow Environment Secretary, Victoria Atkins, has revealed that the looming threat of increased inheritance tax bills is already pushing some farmers to take their own lives. In an interview with The i Paper, Atkins stated, “I know it’s happening because I’ve been told by people that it’s happening within families.” She expressed that farmers are feeling immense pressure to take drastic actions to avoid the financial burdens that will arise next year due to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ controversial policy decision. “We know that not only are these conversations happening around kitchen tables – there have been instances already,” she added.
One particularly heart-wrenching case shared by Atkins involved a farmer who “took himself off to a remote part of his farm and ended his life.” The message he left for his family, who chose to remain anonymous, indicated that he felt he would become a financial burden due to the impending changes to inheritance tax. “It’s a matter of great concern that such feelings are being evoked due to policy changes,” she told Members of Parliament recently.
Chancellor Reeves has justified the reduction in farmers’ exemptions from inheritance tax by claiming that the previous government left behind a staggering £22 billion “black hole” in public finances. In response, Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, accused Atkins of “weaponizing” personal tragedies and called her statements “irresponsible in the extreme.” The Treasury has stated that only around 500 of the wealthiest estates will be affected when the current exemption for farms from inheritance tax expires in a year’s time.
Experts Warn of a Broader Impact
However, experts argue that the Treasury’s estimates are a significant undercount, predicting that the changes will affect many more farmers, including those who are tenants. The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers estimates that the actual number could be closer to 2,500 affected estates annually. Reports from the Farm Safety Foundation, a charity dedicated to mental health support, indicate a rise in calls for assistance since the announcement of the additional tax.
Atkins remains steadfast in her stance, refusing to back down in the face of criticism. She highlighted the “suicide window” created by the policy, stating, “I genuinely can’t think of another policy that has had quite this impact, and I don’t understand how ministers can look themselves in the mirror.” Despite this alarming situation, the Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity, emphasize that determining causation in suicide cases is complex, as there is rarely a single factor leading someone to take their life.
Atkins spoke out following a large protest in Westminster, where thousands of farmers from across the UK rallied for a reconsideration of the tax hike. Given the Conservative Party’s precarious position since last year’s elections, their campaign against “Labour’s family farm tax” has emerged as a rare opportunity for political leverage. Some Labour MPs from rural constituencies have voiced their opposition to the impending tax increases. Atkins predicts that many of these MPs will face a “very, very difficult decision” when the Commons votes on the changes later this year, as they must choose between party loyalty and supporting the interests of their constituents.
The Conservative Party’s Position
Atkins asserts that it is the Conservative Party – not the Reform Party – that is genuinely championing the interests of farmers. Amidst criticisms aimed at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has gained prominence at farmers’ protests, she questions whether the party has already peaked in influence. “They’re very good at showmanship, but the more they come under scrutiny, the more we see how much they’re trying to lead people astray,” she remarked.
Atkins also addressed Farage’s controversial ties to figures like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, highlighting her commitment to protecting UK farmers from being undercut in future trade deals with the US. “President Trump will want the best possible deal for the United States, and we must maintain a laser-like focus on our own national interests. I would struggle to understand how any Prime Minister could claim that a deal involving chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef is in our national interest,” she stated emphatically. “If that happens, they will face the wrath not just of the countryside, but also from those who value animal welfare standards in the UK.”
A Background in Law and Politics
Victoria Atkins, who represents Louth and Horncastle, a predominantly rural constituency in Lincolnshire, has a background as a criminal barrister prior to her career as a Conservative MP. She comes from a lineage of Conservative politicians; her father, Sir Robert Atkins, was a former MP and MEP, while her mother, Lady (Dulcie) Atkins, served as a Tory councillor and mayor. Reflecting on her upbringing, she quipped, “I must have been the only child who thought it was completely normal to buy raffle tickets with my pocket money,” a remark she often uses to deflect questions about her privileged status.
During her legal career, Atkins prosecuted criminals while Keir Starmer was the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). She expressed her frustration with Starmer’s tendency to take credit for the hard work of others, including her efforts. Specializing in cases at the intersection of fraud and organized crime, she noted, “It’s one of the most fascinating, albeit darkly fascinating, aspects of pursuing criminals. They diversify their operations – those who are smuggling drugs and weapons will also engage in fraud and money laundering.”
When asked whether she believes Starmer is a competent lawyer, Atkins paused before responding, “What worries me is that he is so immersed in human rights law that it is now skewing his interpretation of other legal aspects.” She pointed to issues such as the Chagos Islands deal and the appointment of Lord Hermer, another human rights lawyer, as Attorney General as evidence of this concern.
With an office adjacent to Kemi Badenoch and a growing influence within her party, Atkins is seen as a rising star. Those close to Badenoch appreciate her loyalty and confidence in dealing with the media. It is evident that she is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
