Supermarket giant Morrisons backs farmers as inheritance tax row explodes in Starmer
In a blow to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, one of Britain’s biggest retailers has come out in support of farmers who oppose the government’s planned changes to inheritance tax (IHT).
Sophie Throup, head of agriculture at Morrisons, posted a video message on X (formerly Twitter) announcing the solidarity of retailers and farming communities, who are preparing to protest across the country on Friday over what they call a “bad” tax on family farms.
The new levy, which will come into force in April 2026, will impose an inheritance tax of 20 per cent on estates worth more than £1 million. Although this is part of the 40 per cent IHT rate, the move has sparked fears that small, family-run farms could be forced to sell land or face crippling financial burdens. Under current laws, people can transfer their land tax-free if they live for another seven years, but the new measure will greatly strengthen the exemption of agricultural property.
Ms Throup said Morrisons had raised “concerns at the highest level of government” since the policy was announced last autumn, telling farmers she “understands your anger and frustration” and inviting them to contact her directly. While many welcome the supermarket’s intervention, others question whether this is public outreach rather than a genuine willingness to fight on behalf of farmers.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, hailed the supermarket’s intervention as a “huge development” in efforts to convince both Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to review the proposal. Some farmers remain skeptical, however. Clive Bailye, founder of the online forum Farming Forum, pointed out that supermarkets have always been tough negotiators on prices and like their real motives.
The government insists it has no plans to back down. A spokesman said that under their “fair and balanced” reforms, farmers would still benefit from a reduced IHT rate of 20 per cent, with no interest payments over ten years, while pointing to a £5 billion investment in agriculture over two years. Despite these assurances, tensions remain high, with protests planned and the National Farmers’ Union confirming that it has urged vendors to push for a positive outcome. Whether Morrisons support translates into real policy change remains to be seen.