Hundreds of farmers protested outside the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, Conwy, opposing proposed changes to inheritance tax rules for farms. The protesters, including prominent farmer and broadcaster Gareth Wyn Jones, argued that the tax changes would have “disastrous” consequences for farming families.
Holding signs like “Enough is Enough” and “No Farmers No Food”, the demonstrators expressed their frustration with the potential economic impact. Gareth Wyn Jones described the inheritance tax changes as a “massive bombshell” that would affect thousands of farming families, warning of potential food inflation and increased hardship for poorer communities.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at the conference, defended the Budget measures, stating he would “defend our decisions all day long.” He emphasized the need for tough fiscal decisions to stabilize the economy and argued that politicians must be honest about the challenges facing Britain.
Deputy Welsh First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies met with a delegation of farmers and farming unions, while Starmer did not directly engage with the protesters. Dairy farmer Abi Reader from NFU Cymru urged the Treasury to reconsider the inheritance tax policy, suggesting more farmers would be affected than initially suggested.
The conference also addressed other key issues. Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Eluned Morgan announced an additional £22m for the Welsh NHS to tackle waiting lists, which currently stand at over 600,000 people awaiting treatment. This follows a previous £28m investment to reduce waiting times.
Starmer confirmed plans for a £160m investment zone in Flintshire and Wrexham, describing it as an opportunity to create jobs and drive economic growth in north Wales. The conference comes after a turbulent year for Welsh Labour, which has seen three leaders, with Eluned Morgan taking office after Vaughan Gething’s resignation.
Morgan delivered an upbeat speech, positioning Welsh Labour as the “beating heart of Welsh politics” and emphasizing her commitment to community values. She spoke about hope, resilience, and building a better Wales.
Another significant announcement came from Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens, who revealed a £13m grant fund to support redundant Port Talbot steel workers. This is part of an £80m package to help 2,800 Tata workers affected by the closure of coal-fired blast furnaces and transition to an electric furnace.
The conference also touched on ongoing debates about infrastructure funding. Morgan and opposition parties have been pushing for Wales to receive funding related to the HS2 rail project, but Starmer ruled out applying the Barnett Formula to this infrastructure project.
The event highlighted the challenges facing Welsh Labour as they prepare for the 2026 Senedd election, balancing economic pressures, healthcare challenges, and supporting local communities through significant industrial transitions.
