MPs clash over IHT impact on farmer suicides

Conservative shadow environment minister Victoria Atkins has been accused of “weaponising” farming suicides in a row over inheritance tax proposals, as she called for Defra secretary Steve Reed to change the plans as they stand, or resign.

The MPs clashed on Thursday 10 May, when Ms Atkins told Mr Reed in parliament: “I have received the devastating news that several more farmers have taken their own lives because of the family farm tax.”

See also: IHT planning: Beware of surprise tax liabilities

Under current plans, from April 2026 farmers will have to pay 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets worth more than £1m.

As the family farm tax was not yet law, Ms Atkins called on the minister to either change the policy or resign.

Victoria Atkins © UK Parliament

“Will he set out these tragedies to the prime minister and demand that Labour policy be changed, or offer, on a point of principle, his resignation?” said Ms Atkins.

80 years ago today British farmers were in the fields when the news of VE Day broke.

Many of their descendants still work that same soil.

But Labour’s Family Farm Tax is proving so harmful that some of those farmers have taken their own lives.

Powerful from @VictoriaAtkins 👇 pic.twitter.com/PxqfsPtJFE

— Conservatives (@Conservatives) May 8, 2025

In response, Mr Reed accused her of politicising personal tragedy.

“I express my regret that the shadow secretary of state would seek to politicise personal tragedy in this way. It is immensely regrettable that she would seek to do that; none of us can know for sure what happens in matters of personal tragedy,” he said.

He added that the government took issues of mental health very seriously and that it was setting up hubs in every community to support farmers and others suffering from mental health issues.

“I gently remind her that this was a problem that escalated during her time in office as secretary of state for health, when she failed to address the problems that people are facing.”

Steve Reed © OFC

Mental Health Awareness week

Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week – bringing the UK together to focus on aspects of good mental health.

This year, the week takes place from 12-18 May, and the theme is community.

Further information on how to get involved can be found on the organisation’s website.