Morrisons back farmers' protests in latest blow for Rachel Reeves' inheritance tax raid - 'We're with you!'

"We're with you," Throup declared in the message, addressing farmers' concerns about the Government's recent tax measures.

The intervention comes as farmers across the UK have been staging demonstrations, including protests at Westminster, against what critics have dubbed the "family farm tax."

Morrisons said it shares farmers' concerns about the impact of Labour's actions, particularly regarding the future of smaller family-run farms.

The supermarket has been raising these concerns "at the highest levels of Government" since November last year.

Under changes announced in October, farmers will face a 20 per cent inheritance tax rate on inherited land and property valued above £1million.

While ministers maintain the measure will only affect the wealthiest quarter of landowners, the National Farmers' Union and other critics strongly dispute this claim.

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There are growing concerns that family-run farms operating on tight margins could be forced to sell their land to cover death duties.

The tax changes have sparked widespread protests from the farming community, who fear the measures could threaten the survival of traditional family farming operations.

Critics have labelled the policy the "family farm tax" amid worries about its broader impact on Britain's agricultural sector.

The NFU argues the effects of the tax changes will be more extensive than the Government has suggested.

In her social media message, Sophie Throup offered a detailed statement of support to the farming community.

"We want to send a message of support today for the whole of the farming community," she said.

"We understand your anger and your frustrations at the inheritance tax, and we're with you."

Throup emphasised particular concern for smaller operations, stating: "We share your concerns about the long-term future the inheritance tax is going to have on farms, particularly smaller family farms."

She pledged ongoing support from the supermarket chain: "We've been raising these concerns at the highest levels of Government since November last year, and we will continue to do so. We know it's important."

The Morrisons agriculture head concluded by offering direct assistance: "We are with you. We're here to help you. If you want to talk to me, please message me."

The Countryside Alliance hailed Morrisons' stance as a crucial moment in opposing the tax changes.

"This is a major development in the ongoing fight to get Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to see sense," said Mo Metcalf-Fisher, the alliance's external affairs director.

He added that the "hated tax hike threatens the future of small family farms" and urged other supermarket chains to join the opposition.

Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, Environment Secretary Steve Reed offered an apology for shocking farmers with the Budget measures.

Reed blamed the tax changes on a £22billion "black hole" in public finances inherited from the previous government.

"We were shocked by the size of the black hole we were left to fill. I'm sorry if some of the action we took shocked you in return," he said.

A Defra spokesperson said:

“Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast – we have committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years, including more money than ever for sustainable food production, alongside our New Deal for Farmers to deliver a profitable farming sector and unlock rural growth."

“Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will mean farmers will pay a reduced inheritance tax rate of 20%, rather than the standard 40%, and payments can be spread over 10 years, interest-free."

"This is a fair and balanced approach, which fixes the public services we all rely on, affecting around 500 estates a year.”