Freddie van Mierlo MP Stands with Family Farmers Against Inheritance Tax Changes

Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame, has expressed continued concern about the Labour Government’s proposed changes to Inheritance Tax that risk undermining the future of family-run farms across the country.

During a recent visit to Views Farm near Great Milton, Freddie met with Charles Peers, whose family has farmed in Oxfordshire since the 18th century. Mr Peers shared his story of building a thriving and diversified rural business—one that supports local jobs, community education, and agricultural innovation—all of which is now under threat due to changes announced in the most recent Budget.

Speaking after the visit, Freddie van Mierlo said:

“It was humbling to see first-hand the remarkable work Charles and his family have done at Views Farm—transforming a traditional agricultural business into a model of rural enterprise that serves both the economy and the community. What they’ve achieved isn’t just impressive; it’s essential.

The Labour Government’s plans to remove inheritance tax reliefs from productive, working farms will jeopardise the future of sustainable family farming across the country. These businesses aren’t speculative landholdings—they are the backbone of our rural economy. Taxing them at death risks breaking up farms that have fed communities, provided jobs, and supported public services for generations.

I fully support the farming community’s call for common-sense reform that targets genuine tax avoidance—not those who have poured their lives, labour, and savings into keeping British farming alive. I will be raising this issue in Parliament and urging the Government to think again.”

Robert Peers, Charles’ son and a partner in the family business, added:

“Obviously if you are going to sell an expensive farm then you should have to pay tax on that, but it is not right that family farms should have to pay this additional tax when farming often struggles to turn a profit.”

Mr Peers also highlighted the vital educational work Views Farm does with children from urban areas, providing free or low-cost opportunities for young people to connect with the countryside—another example of how local farms contribute far beyond food production.

Freddie van Mierlo concluded:

“If this Government wants to claim it backs farming, it must prove it with policy—not just platitudes. Family farms like Views are too valuable to be taxed out of existence.”