Ministers accused of a fresh assault on the countryside as Labour 'slashes marketing budgets for farming'

Ministers have been accused of staging a fresh assault on the countryside after slashing hundreds of thousands of pounds from marketing schemes for farmers. Countryside campaigners blasted the Government over the move, which comes as ministers continue to face fury over inheritance tax changes announced at the Budget. It is reported the cost-savings were approved by Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden as part of a wider crackdown on Government marketing designed to save £132million. Countryside campaigners blasted the Government over the move, which comes as ministers continue to face protests over inheritance tax changes announced at the Budget It is reported the cost-savings were approved by Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden as part of a wider crackdown on Government marketing designed to save £132million Victoria Vyvyan, president of the Country Land and Business Association, said: 'The Government promised to be the party of the countryside. In her Budget, Ms Reeves announced controversial reforms to inheritance tax that mean farmers will have to pay a 20 per cent rate on land and property they inherit worth more than £1million.