MP Warns Sudden Farm Tax Reforms Threaten Food Security and Family Farms

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke has issued a strong warning about recent inheritance tax reforms impacting family-run farms, highlighting the threat they pose to rural communities and national food security. Representing Glastonbury and Somerton and serving on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee, Dyke supports a new cross-party report urging the government to delay these reforms until at least October 2026.

The report criticizes the government for implementing the tax changes in last year’s Autumn Budget without adequate consultation or assessing their impact. This oversight has generated widespread confusion and anxiety, especially among tenant farmers and smaller agricultural businesses, which play a crucial role in the UK’s food production and rural economy.

Since the reforms were announced, Dyke has been a vocal opponent, also standing against the abrupt termination of the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. She has continuously challenged the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to reconsider policies that endanger farming livelihoods.

Dyke commented: “The government’s rushed inheritance tax changes are causing real distress to farming families across Glastonbury and Somerton. These unfair reforms threaten the future of generational farms that are vital for our local economies and food security nationwide.

“Somerset farmers are already reeling from the consequences of post-Brexit trade failures, agricultural budget mismanagement, soaring costs, severe weather, and flooding—all contributing to declining farm incomes.

“The government must listen and act. Rural communities are too often overlooked by this Labour administration, which lacks understanding of countryside challenges. I remain committed to fighting for our farmers. These reckless tax reforms need to be scrapped immediately.”