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Hundreds of farmers, accompanied by their tractors, are staging rallies across Northern Ireland on Saturday in response to proposed changes to inheritance tax laws. The protests are part of a nationwide movement, with similar demonstrations taking place across the UK.
The uproar follows the government’s recent announcement of a cap on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) for inheritance tax, a policy shift that has caught the farming sector off guard. Many farmers fear the changes could place a significant financial burden on families seeking to pass their farms to the next generation.
Despite the protests, government officials maintain that the majority of farms in Northern Ireland will remain unaffected by the new cap. They argue that other relief measures may help to offset the potential tax liabilities. However, concerns among the farming community remain high, with many calling for the policy to be reconsidered.
The rallies highlight the deep unease within the agricultural sector, as farmers push for greater clarity and a policy framework that supports generational farming.
source: BBC