Farmers Protest UK Government's Inheritance Tax Policy at Oxford Conference

Environment Secretary Steve Reed apologizes for financial 'shock' but defends controversial tax changes as necessary for public finances.

Farmers gathered outside the Oxford Farming Conference to protest inheritance tax changes introduced in last year’s budget, calling them a threat to family farms.
The new policy imposes a 20% tax on agricultural estates valued over £1 million, sparking fears of forced land sales and farm closures.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed apologized for the 'shock' caused by the tax but maintained it was necessary to address a financial deficit left by previous governments.
Protesters criticized the government’s proposed farming reforms, arguing they fail to address the immediate challenges of profitability and sustainability in the sector.
The National Farmers’ Union warned that further protests are planned, demanding a review of the inheritance tax policy and faster implementation of promised support measures.