Morrisons Backs Farmers Opposed to Government Inheritance Tax Reforms

In a blow to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, supermarket giant Morrisons has voiced its support for farmers opposing the Government’s controversial inheritance tax (IHT) reforms. The proposed changes, set to take effect in April 2026, have sparked fears among farming communities of severe financial repercussions for smaller, family-run operations.

Sophie Throup, Morrisons’ head of agriculture, released a video message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing solidarity with farmers preparing to stage nationwide protests on Friday. The new policy would impose a 20% IHT on farming estates valued over £1 million—half the standard 40% rate but still a significant increase in tax burden for many.

Under current rules, estates can be passed on tax-free if the owner survives for seven years post-transfer. The forthcoming changes would tighten these reliefs, potentially forcing some farmers to sell land or face heavy financial strain.

Ms. Throup acknowledged farmers’ concerns and invited them to share their feedback directly. “We’ve raised concerns at the highest level of government,” she said. “We understand your anger and frustrations.”

The supermarket’s intervention has drawn mixed reactions. While the Countryside Alliance welcomed it as a “major development,” some questioned whether the move was a public relations strategy rather than a genuine commitment. Clive Bailye, founder of The Farming Forum, criticized supermarkets for their traditionally hardline stance on pricing, suggesting the support might be more about optics than advocacy.

Government officials have defended the reforms as “fair and balanced,” noting the reduced IHT rate of 20% for farmers and the option to pay it interest-free over a decade. A spokesperson also highlighted a £5 billion investment in agriculture over the next two years as evidence of their commitment to the sector.

Despite these assurances, unrest continues to grow. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) confirmed it has been lobbying retailers to advocate for more favorable outcomes. Protests scheduled for Friday aim to amplify farmers’ concerns and pressure the Government to reconsider.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, described Morrisons’ stance as a pivotal moment in the campaign against the reforms. However, whether the supermarket’s support will sway government policy remains uncertain.

As tensions mount, the protests and lobbying efforts will test the Government’s resolve and determine if the farmers’ demands for a rethink of the tax policy gain traction.