The Conservative Party has a long history of claiming to stand up for rural Britain, especially farmers. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear that this “support” is built on lies, gaslighting, and policies designed to protect the wealthiest landowners rather than struggling farmers. Let’s break down how the Tories have misled farmers, why they’re terrified of Labour’s inheritance tax reforms, and why farmers should welcome Labour’s changes as a step toward fairness.
Tory Lies to Farmers: A Legacy of Manipulation
For years, the Tories have spun a narrative that they’re the farmers’ best friends, but the reality tells a different story. Let’s start with Brexit, which was sold to rural communities as a golden opportunity. Farmers were promised new trade deals and subsidies to replace those from the EU. Instead, many have seen their markets vanish, especially for lamb and beef exports, while the promised “Brexit benefits” turned into paperwork nightmares and plummeting income.
During the 2024 Autumn Budget discussions, Tory MPs like Victoria Atkins were quick to blame Labour’s policies for the struggles farmers face today. But the truth is, decades of Tory rule have left farming communities worse off. Cuts to subsidies, a chaotic Brexit, and a lack of investment in sustainable agriculture have pushed many farmers to the brink.
Who Really Benefits? The Biggest Landowners in the Tory Party
While small and medium-sized farmers struggle, the Tories have made sure the wealthiest landowners are protected. Take Richard Drax, a Tory MP who owns over 15,000 acres of land, inherited tax-free. Landowners like him, with vast estates, benefit disproportionately from inheritance tax loopholes that let them pass down wealth without paying their fair share.
These loopholes aren’t about protecting small family farms; they’re about preserving wealth for the richest. The Tories’ obsession with keeping inheritance tax untouched is rooted in protecting their own financial interests and those of their wealthy donors. It’s no wonder they’re using scare tactics to turn farmers against Labour’s plans.
Why the Tories Hate Inheritance Tax Reforms
Inheritance tax has always been a sore spot for the Conservatives. They frame it as an attack on hardworking families, but in reality, it’s about shielding the ultra-rich. Labour’s proposed reforms aim to close loopholes that allow vast estates to avoid paying taxes, ensuring that wealthier landowners contribute their fair share to society.
For most small farmers, Labour’s reforms would have little to no impact. The inheritance tax threshold would still protect the majority of family farms, and the extra revenue generated from taxing the wealthiest estates could be reinvested in rural infrastructure and farming subsidies. Yet, the Tories have twisted the narrative to make farmers believe Labour wants to take away their livelihoods.
Labour’s Vision: Fairness and Sustainability
Labour’s policies offer a way out for struggling farmers. By tackling inheritance tax loopholes, Labour aims to ensure that wealthier estates contribute fairly, while smaller farms remain protected. This isn’t about punishment; it’s about creating a fairer system where the burden isn’t placed disproportionately on those who are already struggling.
Labour has also pledged to support sustainable farming practices, offering subsidies to help farmers transition to greener methods that protect the environment while maintaining profitability. Under Labour, farmers can expect investments in infrastructure, better trade policies, and a focus on food security, things the Tories have repeatedly failed to deliver.
The fearmongering from the Conservatives might make farmers wary of Labour, but here’s the truth: the Tories are only protecting the rich. Labour’s inheritance tax reforms would ensure that more money flows back into rural communities, supporting small farmers rather than letting the richest landowners hoard wealth.
Farmers should also consider how Labour’s broader policies could benefit them. From investing in rural broadband to improving access to healthcare and education in the countryside, Labour’s plans are about creating thriving rural communities. The Tories, by contrast, have left farmers with broken promises and a declining industry.
Tory MPs Like Atkins: Masters of Gaslighting
Tory MPs like Victoria Atkins epitomise the gaslighting tactics used to manipulate farmers. They point fingers at Labour for policies they haven’t even implemented yet, conveniently ignoring the damage done by Conservative governments over the past decade. Atkins’ recent comments blaming Labour for farmers’ struggles are laughable when you consider how Tory cuts and Brexit have devastated the sector.
Atkins and her colleagues don’t care about farmers; they care about headlines and protecting the status quo. Meanwhile, in the background, you’ll find MPs like Richard Drax and other wealthy landowners quietly lobbying to keep their tax advantages intact.
The Bigger Picture
The Conservative Party’s relationship with farmers is a masterclass in deceit. They’ve sold farmers a dream of rural prosperity while systematically undermining the very foundations of British agriculture. Labour’s inheritance tax reforms are a step towards fairness, ensuring that the wealthiest pay their share while protecting small and medium-sized farms.
Farmers should see through the Tory lies and embrace policies that prioritise them, not just the richest landowners. Labour’s vision for farming is one of sustainability, fairness, and long-term growth, something the Tories have never been able to deliver.
The Tories have spent decades gaslighting farmers, using them as pawns while protecting the wealthiest landowners. Labour’s inheritance tax reforms offer a fairer future, ensuring that small farmers are supported while the richest estates pay their dues. It’s time for farmers to see the truth: the Tories aren’t their allies, and Labour’s policies could be their lifeline.