A Labour MP responsible for leading the party’s efforts to reconnect with rural communities has drawn criticism after suggesting farmers bear some responsibility for tensions arising from protests against recent changes to inheritance tax rules.

James Naish, co-chair of the Labour Rural Research Group, acknowledged that the government mishandled the introduction of the so-called “family farm tax” but said farmers “didn’t help themselves” by staging tractor protests. His remarks came during a Westminster event on Tuesday evening to unveil the group’s vision for improving Labour’s relationship with the countryside.

Naish admitted that the party “weren’t good enough over the first couple of years” in managing rural policy but pointed to the protests—including farmers bringing tractors to central London—as a factor that damaged dialogue. His comments have been met with frustration from farming representatives and protest leaders.

William Taylor, a Northern Irish farmer and founder of the protest group Farmers for Action, said Naish’s comments revealed a lack of understanding of rural life and the significance of the demonstrations. Taylor noted that the protests did lead to a partial government concession, but emphasized that the outcome still falls short of farmers’ needs.

Clive Bailye, a Staffordshire farmer and one of the organizers of the tractor protests, highlighted that the sustained demonstrations kept media attention on the issue, ultimately pressuring the government to amend the tax policy in December. Bailye also said public perception of farmers has improved, with greater awareness of the financial challenges facing the sector.

The “family farm tax,” introduced in the 2024 Budget by Chancellor Rachelle Reeves, imposed a 20 percent tax on agricultural assets valued over £1 million. This provoked fears that inheritance tax liabilities might force the breakup of family farms to cover costs. The tax was introduced despite earlier assurances from then-Environment Secretary Steve Reed that no such levy would be enacted before the last election.

Following multiple tractor protests in Westminster, the government partially reversed its stance by raising the tax threshold to £2.5 million in December. Gavin Lane, chairman of the Country Land and Business Group and a Norfolk farmer, acknowledged that the protests were instrumental in achieving this change. Lane cited comments from James Murray at the Treasury, who had indicated that engagement with the government was unlikely to yield results without pressure.

The dispute has prompted sharp criticism from opposition figures. Victoria Atkins, shadow environment secretary, condemned Labour MPs who criticized the protests, calling it unacceptable to blame farmers for highlighting the consequences of what she described as a “vindictive tax.” Atkins urged Labour to apologize for the damage caused by the policy if it is serious about mending relations with rural constituents.

Requests for comment from the Labour Rural Research Group on Naish’s remarks were made but no immediate response was provided.