Keir Starmer reveals the real reason for his ‘family farm tax’ in grilling by senior MPs
The IndependentSign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer has undermined the leading justification for his government’s “family farm tax“ in an evidence session with MPs on the powerful liaison committee. open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer appearing before the Liaison Committee On 4 November in the Budget debate on implications for farming communities, Mr Zeichner said: “Sadly, has been used in some cases by wealthy landowners to avoid inheritance tax. open image in gallery Farming minister Daniel Zeichner National Farmers’ Union President Tom Bradshaw said: “Despite ministers previously claiming this was about punishing wealthy people avoiding tax, it’s clear from the prime minister’s words today that it is simply an indiscriminate revenue-raising measure with no thought given to who it impacts. It’s clear that this government has entirely broken with that premise, and it will be farming, then its associated industries, and then consumers who will bear the impact.” After the evidence session, Mr Carmichael said: “The prime minister has undermined the case made by Treasury and Defra ministers who have sought to pretend that this was about tackling the Jeremy Clarksons and James Dysons of this world.