UK: Starmer Defends Budget Amid Farmers' Protests Over Inheritance Tax Changes
Source: DairyNews.today
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday defended his Labour government’s first budget, following protests by farmers over changes to inheritance tax law. Addressing the Welsh Labour Conference in Llandudno, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to the fiscal policies outlined in Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' October 30 budget statement.
"I will defend our decisions in the budget all day long," Starmer said. "I will defend facing up to the harsh light of fiscal reality, and I will defend the tough decisions that were necessary to stabilise our economy."
While Starmer spoke, hundreds of farmers staged a protest outside the conference venue, including a convoy of tractors, in response to a budget measure that will see more farmers subject to inheritance tax. Farmers have expressed concerns that the move will undermine the viability of family farms, lead to land sales, raise production costs, and threaten food security.
Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer participating in the protest, criticized Starmer for avoiding dialogue with protesters after his speech. "It's so frustrating that he's run out the back door like a flippin' rat. People here have come here to talk to him," Jones told Sky News.
The farmers are planning a major protest in London on November 19.
In addition to the inheritance tax changes, UK businesses have raised concerns over the impact of increased employment taxes and a rise in the minimum wage, warning that these measures could stoke inflation and hurt investment and job growth.
While Starmer spoke, hundreds of farmers staged a protest outside the conference venue, including a convoy of tractors, in response to a budget measure that will see more farmers subject to inheritance tax. Farmers have expressed concerns that the move will undermine the viability of family farms, lead to land sales, raise production costs, and threaten food security.
Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer participating in the protest, criticized Starmer for avoiding dialogue with protesters after his speech. "It's so frustrating that he's run out the back door like a flippin' rat. People here have come here to talk to him," Jones told Sky News.
The farmers are planning a major protest in London on November 19.
In addition to the inheritance tax changes, UK businesses have raised concerns over the impact of increased employment taxes and a rise in the minimum wage, warning that these measures could stoke inflation and hurt investment and job growth.
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