Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his strong disagreement with John McTernan’s recent comments suggesting a policy approach to farmers similar to the one Margaret Thatcher took with coal miners in the 1980s. McTernan, a former Labour aide, controversially said that he supported “doing to farmers what Thatcher did to the miners” and advocated for “closing down” the farming industry, claiming it was an industry Britain “can do without.”
Speaking at the COP29 conference, Sir Keir firmly rejected McTernan’s remarks. “I’m absolutely committed to supporting our farmers,” he said. “I was very pleased that we’re investing £5bn of our budget for the next two years into farming. I totally disagree with those comments. It is essential that our farmers prosper, and that they do so well into the future.”
McTernan’s comments have sparked a backlash across the political spectrum, especially as they come amid a growing dispute between Labour and farming groups over proposed changes to inheritance tax laws. The government has introduced a 20% tax on inherited farming assets exceeding £1 million, which farming organizations warn could have a “catastrophic” effect on family-run farms. In response, some groups have threatened protests, including strike actions and port blockades, unless the policy is revised.
Speaking to GB News, McTernan, who is known for his controversial political views, stated he was “personally in favor” of curbing the farming industry, arguing that small farmers were expendable and that their protests were unwarranted. “If people are so upset they want to go on the street and spray slurry on them, then we don’t need the small farmers,” he added.
The comments have drawn criticism from senior Tory figures, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, who accused Labour of fostering a “politics of bitterness and envy.” A Labour source also condemned McTernan’s remarks, calling them “shockingly irresponsible” and distanced the party from his views. “Labour values the hard work our farmers do to feed the nation,” the source told Sky News. “That’s why we have just agreed the biggest budget in history for sustainable food production.”
The inheritance tax changes, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will limit the 100% relief for farming assets to the first £1 million from April 2026. Anything above this threshold will be taxed at 20%, a significant reduction from the standard 40% inheritance tax. Ministers argue that only the wealthiest quarter of farmers will be affected. However, farming groups claim the policy will impact up to 75% of UK food production, potentially driving up food prices and making it harder for new generations of farmers to acquire land.
