Labour has faced backlash after one of Tony Blair’s former aides made provocative remarks about the UK farming industry, igniting tension within the party and raising concerns among farmers about looming tax changes. John McTernan, who supports current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, suggested during the height of discussions about inheritance tax increases, "If farmers want to protest, we can do what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners." This statement drew sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly as it evokes memories of the polarizing actions during the 1984-85 miners' strike.
Critics were quick to highlight the insensitivity of comparing farmers to miners, with former home secretary James Cleverly remarking on social media, saying McTernan was "saying the quiet bit out loud." His comments come against the backdrop of significant regulatory changes proposed by the government, raising the inheritance tax rate to 20% for agricultural properties valued over £1 million.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) expressed grave concerns over the new tax structure. Farmers could face crippling inheritances taxes, which the NFU notes would adversely affect many agricultural businesses potentially leading to forced sales of land to meet tax obligations. On Tuesday, the NFU announced plans for mass protests scheduled for 19 November, signaling their anger and desperation over the impending financial burden. Meanwhile, McTernan's comments have fueled anger toward Labour from farming communities, historically seen as staunch political supporters.
Despite the unrest, Labour leader Starmer has taken steps to distance himself from McTernan's remarks. At the recent COP29 climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Starmer expressed his commitment to supporting farmers, stating, "I’m absolutely committed to supporting our farmers. I said this before the election and I say it after the election." His affirmations included pledges to invest £5 billion over the next two years directly targeting agricultural sustainability and growth.
The controversial inheritance tax reform came as the government attempts to balance its budget against spiraling costs and pressures on public services, especially after the pandemic. Changes announced have led to angry reactions from agrarian representatives, who feel their input has been sidelined. Farmers argue the value of their land does not translate to liquid assets, putting them at risk of losing their family farms, which have been passed down through generations.
A farming sources criticized McTernan’s perspective as being dismissive of the hard realities faced by everyday farmers, saying, "He’s just a grumpy old class warrior who doesn’t seem to care about how these policies affect ordinary farmers." They contend many farmers are not wealthy landowners benefitting from vast tracts of land, but smallholders struggling to keep their farms alive amid increasing regulation and market pressures.
This ripple effect of anger also seems to reflect wider frustrations among various constituencies within the Labour party. Many Labour politicians come from urban backgrounds and lack direct ties to rural issues, leading farmers to feel increasingly abandoned by the party. According to observers, the reality is stark – Labour will need to refine its approach to agricultural issues if it wishes to maintain any foothold within the farming communities.
McTernan’s sententious remarks seemed to retreat any goodwill Labour might have harvested from launching initiatives aimed at the countryside. It has become evident the political fallout from these comments could influence Labour’s electoral prospects, particularly as political strategists report the party may risk losing marginal seats traditionally held by them if such populations feel ignored.
Meanwhile, the sentiment runs deep for many who recall the tumultuous times during the miners' strike. The deep divides from back then still filter through to today’s political dialogues, reacting to issues of economic survival, industry livelihoods, and the very identity of working communities. The comparison is not just poorly timed but resonates with historical wounds.
Labour’s struggle with rural voters is amplified by the party's attempts to craft policies reflecting the needs of their constituents, all the more pronounced as local governance presses for more control over farming matters and local economies. Starmer’s attempt at clarifying Labour’s position must now dovetail with responsible interaction and narrative-building within the farming sector.
This incident shines light on the delicate balance the Labour party must navigate; as they strive to acknowledge its history and the communities it serves, the tone and content of their leadership messages will become increasingly pivotal. McTernan’s comments could linger like black smoke over Labour, not just impacting party dynamics, but the broader political relationships they have within the fabric of British agriculture.
Looking forward, it’s clear Labour has its work cut out. To heal the rifts and reestablish trust, genuine engagement with farmers and their advocates may well prove necessary. The political climate surrounding agriculture will need sensitivity along with concrete commitments to mitigating the adverse impacts of taxation policies. If the party hopes to avoid another catastrophic disconnect with its traditional base, it will require listening more intently to the grassroots voice of farmers and engaging more productively on the policies impacting their livelihoods.
