Fifth-generation farmer speaks out about his cancer diagnosis and IHT concerns
27th October 2025
Fifth-generation farmer Charles Rees has opened up about recent cancer diagnosis and his worries about the inheritance tax burden he will pass onto his son, during the latest episode of Countryfile.
Mr Rees said that his son Tom, who runs the family farm, could face a £1 million inheritance tax bill. This follows recent remarks by farming minister Dame Angela Eagle, who said that the UK government will not U-turn on the IHT plans despite recent speculations.
The farmer said: “I’ve been here for 70 years, it’s everything I’ve ever done.”
He tearfully explained how his recent cancer diagnosis and the looping tax burden had taken a toll him and his family.
He said: “It’s been hard for me lying in the hospital bed thinking, how am I going to save my farm? And trying to have all this treatment to save my life.
“And sometimes I think, what the hell are you doing it all for? Because if something doesn’t change by next April, I’d probably top myself.”
When the Countryfile presenter Charlotte Smith asked him: “You’ve really thought about that? Because of the farm?” he confirmed: “Oh God, yes.”
Words of support
Mr Rees’ wife added: “I find it very sad; when he was diagnosed, he generally said to me, one day he said, ‘To be honest with you, for the farm point of view, I’d be better off if I didn’t have the treatment.’”
Fortunately, since the interview, Mr Rees has undergone surgery and is now in recovery.
People across the UK empathise with Mr Rees. One person wrote on X: ‘Heartbreaking to hear Charles Rees’ story. Family farms are the heart of rural life-policies should protect, not threaten, their legacies.’
Another added: ‘IHT is a wicked tax. People work hard to pass things onto their family, then the government takes 40%. It’s evil.’
READ MORE: Government asked to renew its relationship with farmers ahead of Autumn Budget
Read more rural news.
@RachelReevesMP @Keir_Starmer @angelaeagle @EmmaforWycombe I suggest that if you haven’t done you should watch tonight’s episode of #Countryfile. Tear Jerking. You will have blood on your hands come April time If you do not amend the family farm tax. @EllieChowns I’d like to… pic.twitter.com/zCRpfiJ26e
— Boycefield Herefords (@BoycefieldFarm) October 26, 2025
