It has been revealed that Keir Starmer held a secret meeting with the president of the National Farmers’ Union yesterday, sparking renewed hopes of a U-turn.
The Prime Minister had a “constructive” conversation with NFU chief Tom Bradshaw, whose union is pushing for a change of mind on the Inheritance Tax changes.
This afternoon a Downing Street spokesman said that the meeting had been “serious [and] grown up”.
The PM’s official spokesman added: “The Prime Minister did meet the National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw on Monday afternoon.”
“They had a wide-ranging conversation in which the Prime Minister recognised the strength of feeling about the changes to agricultural property relief set out in the Budget and listened to the NFU’s concerns.”
The pair also addressed issued of food security and trade.
The spokesman added: ““n the meeting they discussed the Government’s commitments to solidly protecting the interests of British farmers including in trade negotiations and in public sector procurement, as well as working together to ensure environmental land management schemes deliver for farmers.”
“We will always meet with key stakeholders to hear their views, as that is what a serious, grown-up government does.
“But the Prime Minister took the opportunity to have a constructive conversation with Mr Bradshaw about why we believe the changes are the right approach and to discuss how they can work together to support British farmers.”
Mr Bradshaw said that he welcomed the PM asking to hear about farmers’ concerns directly, and renewed hopes that they can “work together towards a resolution on this issue.”
Following the revelation of the meeting, shadow DEFRA secretary Victoria Atkins blasted: “Enough is enough”.
“It’s time Labour MPs decide who they back: British farmers or party loyalty.”
She revealed that the Tories will call a vote on the tractor tax, which will be a simple choice for Labour MPs: “Vote to axe the tax or back Rachel Reeves’ Budget of Broken Promises.”
The Countryside Alliance’s Mo Fisher added: “The misery caused by the family farm tax could have been avoided if rural stakeholders were consulted before it was announced in the Budget.”
“Let’s hope a sensible way forward can be found, or risk a long running toxic political battle with the countryside.”
Downing Street continues to insist that, contrary to media reports, there are no officials working on carve outs, exemptions or changes to the policy.
