In a setback for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, one of Britain’s largest supermarkets has publicly expressed its support for farmers opposing planned inheritance tax (IHT) reforms.
Sophie Throup, head of agriculture at Morrisons, posted a video message on
The new levy, which comes into force in April 2026, will impose a 20 per cent inheritance tax on agricultural land worth more than £1 million. Although this is half the standard IHT rate of 40 percent, the move has raised fears that smaller, family-run farms could be forced to sell land or face crippling financial burdens. Under current rules, individuals can transfer their estates tax-free if they live for another seven years, but the new measure would significantly tighten exemptions for agricultural property.
Ms Throup said Morrisons had raised “concerns at the highest levels of government” since the policy was announced last autumn, telling farmers she “understands your anger and frustrations” and inviting them to contact her directly to take. While many welcomed the supermarket’s intervention, others wondered whether it was more of a PR gesture than a genuine willingness to fight on behalf of farmers.
Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, called the supermarket’s intervention an “important development” in efforts to convince both Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider the proposal. However, some farmers remain skeptical. Clive Bailye, founder of online platform The Farming Forum, pointed out that supermarkets have traditionally been tough negotiators on prices and questioned their real motives.
The government insists it has no plans to step down. A spokesperson said that under the ‘fair and balanced’ reforms, farmers will still benefit from a reduced IHT rate of 20 per cent, payable interest-free over 10 years, while pointing to a £5 billion investment in the agriculture over a period of two years. Despite these commitments, tensions remain high. Protests are planned and the National Farmers’ Union confirmed it has lobbied retailers to push for a more favorable outcome. Whether Morrisons’ show of support translates into actual policy change remains to be seen.