Kemi Badenoch brands inheritance tax change ‘immoral’ as she visits NI farm
The Tory leader met members of the Jackson family as she visited the Fairview dairy farm near Bangor in Co Down.
Kemi Badenoch has branded Government changes to inheritance tax for farmers “immoral” as she made her first visit to Northern Ireland since becoming Conservative Party leader.
Ms Badenoch visited a farm in Co Down as she vowed to do everything she could to fight the “family farms tax”.
From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1 million, which were previously exempt, will have to pay inheritance tax at 20%.
Ms Badenoch met members of the Jackson family as she visited the Fairview dairy farm near Bangor in Co Down.
The Tory leader fed some calves as she was shown around the farm grounds.
Asked about the reaction of Northern Ireland farmers to changes in inheritance tax, Ms Badenoch said: “The family farms tax is an immoral tax.
“We know how difficult farming is and the Conservative Party will reverse this as soon as we get the opportunity.
“We are trying to get the Labour Government to do so.
“We want farmers to know that we are with you, we understand.”
She added: “Taxing those assets to force farmers to often give up their land and their children or their grandchildren to not continue in this way of life, I believe, is immoral.
“We are doing everything we can to fight the family farms tax.”
The Fairview farm had previously been visited by Theresa May when she was prime minister in 2018.
Mrs Badenoch also said “every possible lever” should be used to remove paramilitary groups from Northern Ireland.
The UK and Irish governments announced plans this week to appoint an independent figure to examine whether a formal process of engagement with paramilitary groups is required to bring about their disbandment.
Ms Badenoch said: “We looked at this proposal when we were in government.
“We didn’t bring it forward because one of the things we must remember is there is no space for paramilitary organisations.
“We need to make sure that they are not benefitting from the harm they cause to communities all over Northern Ireland.
“People here who have been victims of their activities do not want to see them.
“What we need to do is make sure we use every possible lever to remove that negative criminal activity from the communities who are suffering.”
