PLEASE DO NOT DESTROY OUR FAMILY FARMS!

FARMING CHILDREN ISSUE PLEA TO RACHEL REEVES TO STOP THE INHERITANCE RAID

- Steph Spyro and Christian Calgie

FARMERS' children have urged Rachel Reeves to reverse her inheritance tax raid which will "destroy the future of family farms".

Leo Aveling, eight, is among the youngsters who have written to the Chancellor to say their futures are at risk if the family businesses have to be sold to foot new bills.

In a poignant plea, he said: "I am a farmer who knows how to grow food. I would be heartbroken with the Government if we were forced to sell the farm to pay the inheritance tax bill." Leo also fears homes being built on the site, while the row has forced his brother Arthur at the age of just 10 to contemplate the heartbreak of losing his mum and dad.

He wrote: "If my parents died and gave me the farm, I would possibly have to sell the farm to pay the inheritance tax.

"I want to see my farm producing food for Britain's future generations." In her October Budget, Ms Reeves said that from April 2026, combined agricultural and business property assets up to £1million will still receive 100% relief.

However, anything above that will be taxed at an effective rate of 20%.

The Treasury estimates Ms Reeves' changes will raise up to £520million a year. But farmers and campaigners say it threatens the future of thousands of multigenerational family businesses.

The Daily Express Save Britain's Family Farms crusade is demanding a U-turn on the damaging tax grab. Meanwhile, hundreds of children donated toys including tractors and diggers to a collection in London yesterday, in an effort symbolising threatened farms. The toys will be given to a charity.