Sir Keir Starmer has pushed back on comments made by ex-Tony Blair adviser John McTernan, who told GB News small farming is “an industry we can do without”.
The former aide's comments come amid ongoing backlash to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ planned changes to inheritance tax.
Speaking in Baku today at the COP29 climate summit, the Prime Minister told GB News’s Political Editor Christopher Hope he “totally” disagreed with McTernan’s claims.
He said: “No, I totally disagree. I am absolutely committed to supporting our farmers. I said that before the election and I say it after the election.
Sir Keir Starmer said he 'totally' disagreed with John McTernan
PA
"That is why in our Budget last week I was very pleased to be investing £5billion of our Budget over the next two years in farming.
"That is really important for our farmers, and I will do everything I can to support them.
"I think it is essential that they not only prosper, but prosper well into the future. So I totally disagree with those comments."
Under the Government’s inheritance tax policy, the 100 per cent relief for family farms would be limited to the first £1million of both agricultural and business property.
The former Labour man told Patrick Christys he is in favour of rule changes which clamp down on farmers GB NEWSMcTernan said last night: "This is a change clamping down on tax avoidance."
He added: "Farmers still get a privileged status for their farms and for me personally, I’m in favour of doing what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners.
"It’s an industry we could do without."
A Labour source also told GB News that McTernan’s comments were “shockingly irresponsible nonsense from someone who does not represent the Government”.
Labour sources claim to GB News the new rules “will keep land values affordable for a new generation of farmers”.
