Broadcaster Matthew Wright has told famers that they only have themselves to blame for Rachel Reeves’ controversial inheritance tax because they voted for Brexit.
The controversial measure, which will remove farmers exemption from paying inheritance tax, was introduced by the Chancellor at last month’s budget.
The move has been criticised, with many farmers saying that it could lead to food scarcity, with farmers inheriting land unable to pay 20% of its worth.
But speaking on his LBC show today, Wright was unmoved by heartbreaking tales of farmers preparing to sell family farms that have been passed down for generations.
He said: “Most farmers voted for Brexit. Had they not, this country wouldn’t have been £100 billion a year worse off as far as trade with the EU goes and Rachel Reeves wouldn’t necessarily be looking at taxing family farms to make up the difference.
“It does beg the question, weather farmers are simply reaping what they sowed.
“You can’t look at the issue of inheritance taxes on family taxes separately from Brexit.”
His comments were blasted by many on social media, with one user saying: “What an appalling comment. Farmers are such an important part of what makes Great Britain great. We are going to lose farms to rich billionaires with these new laws.
A poll conducted by the Journal of Rural Studies found that 50% of farmers voted to leave the European Union, compared with 45% who voted to remain.
Whilst the impact of Brexit on farming is complex and multi-faceted, research conducted by Farmers Weekly in 2023 found that the overwhelming feeling amongst respondents was that it had impacted the industry negatively.
From 2026, farmers will no longer be exempt from paying inheritance tax, potentially causing financial heartbreak for many without vast sums of cash reserves.
One such victim is seventh-generation farmer Tom Wright who has accused Labour of “actively trying to destroy” the sector.
Mr Wright who tends to his 200-year-old mixed farm in the Norfolk broads, warned the Chancellor’s decisions last month will have repercussions for food prices and the environment.
He said: “Being 40, it’s the first time in my lifetime I’ve known something like this. The Tories didn’t care about farming but this is actively trying to destroy it. This is even worse.”
“They say to plan for it but you can’t plan for it. You can rush to do it now but it’s still seven years. Someone could get hit by a bus. You can’t plan for that. We’re the most dangerous industry in the country, sadly, and we don’t seem to have a lot of support.”
