²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Jeremy Clarkson says inheritance tax could see farmland 'disappear' within 20 years

Mr Clarkson has hit out at claims inheritance tax could be imposed on farms

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Jeremy Clarkson: "In about 20 years' time, there will be no farmland."
Image:

Jeremy Clarkson: "In about 20 years' time, there will be no farmland."

Diddly Squat farmer Jeremy Clarkson has challenged Labour's General Election manifesto which contains 87 words to farm businesses and rural communities, while criticising claims inheritance tax could be imposed on farms.

Writing a column for the Sun, the Clarkson's Farm star said he was disappointed by Sir Keir Starmer's election manifesto and what it had to offer farming communities.

Specifically, Mr Clarkson had questioned suggestions the Party could withdraw inheritance tax relief for farmers and how it could impact the future of farming.Ìý

READ NOW:ÌýInheritanceÌýtaxÌýcould 'devastate' future of family farms

Sir Mark Spencer said imposing inheritance tax on farms could be a 'disaster' for farm businesses, rural economies food security and the environment.

READ NOW: EXCLUSIVE: Sir Keir Starmer - "I know full well no-one works harder than farmers"

During his visit to a Devon farm last week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it was 'crystal clear' that only Conservatives had the backing of British farmers, while criticising Labour's 87 word manifesto for farming, which Mr Clarkson backed on Twitter.Ìý

Despite finding fault with the Conservative's handling of the NHS and public services, Mr Clarkson said their heart was 'in the right place' on taxes and economic stability.

Turning back to Labour, he said:Ìý"So now we arrive at the Labour Party, and I am sorry, but I cannot find a single redeeming feature.

"In the entire campaign so far, not a single candidate has said one word that I agree with.

"Their manifesto contains just 87 words on farming.

"It has even been suggested that inheritance tax will have to be paid on farm land.

"Which means that in about 20 years' time, there will be no farmland.

"And therefore no food, apart from in all the town-centre, nuclear-free, South African peace stores, where you will be able to buy sustainable tofu.

"I get, of course, that people are fed up with the Tories, but I would rather vote for my dog.

"Which is why, come polling day, I am praying there is a box on the ballot paper which says, 'anyone but Labour'."

The Labour Party have been approached for comment.

More on Politics

Chancellor says IHT proposals are 'fair' when quizzed on mental health impact

Chancellor says IHT proposals are 'fair' when quizzed on mental health impact

It comes after the release of Baroness Batters’ Farming Profitability Review said nearly all the responses to this review have cited Inheritance Tax as the single biggest issue

Alex Black
clock 18 December 2025 • 1 min read
Baroness Minette Batters' Farm Profitability Review: New Farming and Food Partnership Board launched

Baroness Minette Batters' Farm Profitability Review: New Farming and Food Partnership Board launched

The board – which aims to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability across the sector – comes as the Government publishes Baroness Batters' Profitability Review today (December 18)

clock 18 December 2025 • 3 min read
'Downright cruel' – Efra chair hits out at IHT proposals

'Downright cruel' – Efra chair hits out at IHT proposals

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael says not only is the family farm tax an attack on the elderly but will stifle investment and reduce food security

clock 18 December 2025 • 3 min read