Summarised by Centrist

British TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp (who also commands a sizable Kiwi audience) didn’t hold back on social media, unleashing anger over UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ recent inheritance tax changes in the UK. 

On X (formerly Twitter), she bluntly stated, “Rachel Reeves has f****d all farmers,” criticising the government for putting what she sees as the future of British farms at risk. 

Allsopp’s outburst reflects widespread rural frustration over the UK Labour party’s move to reduce inheritance tax relief on farms worth more than £1m, effectively lowering tax breaks for many family-owned estates.

Under the new policy, business and agricultural assets over £1 million will only receive 50% inheritance tax relief from April 2026. For farmers, this means an effective tax rate of 20% when passing down assets, significantly impacting family-owned farms. 

Reeves announced these changes as part of her autumn budget, citing the need for a “fairer tax system.” Yet, critics argue the policy fails to understand rural economics, especially how family farms rely on generational transfer to survive. 

Allsopp wasn’t alone in her sentiments; many in the rural sector believe the policy could disrupt family succession plans. According to the Guardian, Reeves insists the reforms bring needed revenue and fairness to the tax system, but opponents like Allsopp argue it “shows the government has ZERO understanding” of rural voters. 

Read more over at The Guardian and on X