BBC Escape to the Country star swipes at Reeves’ farming tax raid as he risks wrath of corporation: ‘Can’t be political’
Escape to the Country presenter Jules Hudson has voiced serious concerns about the government’s planned inheritance tax raid on Britain’s farms.
Speaking at the TV Choice Awards, where the BBC show won Best Daytime Programme, Hudson warned about threats to rural life.
During last year’s autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that farms will now face at 20 per cent inheritance tax on holdings worth over £1million beginning in April 2026.
The hike has caused anxiety among British farmers who argue the measures will further endanger family farms that already operate on tight profit margins.
“I think that we’re all concerned about everything that could potentially undermine the fabric of rural life,” Hudson said while attending the Hilton Park Lane awards.
“Someone has to make decisions, but we just ask that they are the right ones,” he explained to the Daily Mail.
The 55-year-old presenter, who lives in the countryside, expressed worry about the impact of the tax changes.
“I can’t be too political about it, but needless to say I live and work in a farming community and there is a lot of worried people out there,” Hudson said at the awards ceremony.
“I just hope that someone is listening to be honest with you,” he added.
The TV presenter has previously criticised the government for triggering “real panic” in the countryside and warning Sir Keir Starmer that farmers “will not take this lying down”.
Hudson, who has lived in the countryside since 2012 with his partner Tania and their son Jack, also spoke passionately about rural community life.
“The great thing about country life is sense of community… Country life may not always be easier and cheaper but in my experience, it could be the most rewarding undertaking any of us might make,” Hudson said.
He particularly values the creative aspects of rural living, noting: “I think that country life is a very creative life. That’s what I’ve loved about it, gives you lots to do.”
Despite the concerns over rural life, Hudson confirmed that Escape to the Country will continue, revealing: “Well we’ve got another series in the making which is great.”
The show has become a significant fixture of British television since its 2002 debut, having aired 1,200 episodes across 25 series.
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Hudson, who joined the cast in 2007, shares presenting duties with Alistair Appleton, Denise Nurse, Nicki Chapman, Sonali Shah, Ginny Buckley and Steve Brown.
The programme’s enduring popularity was recently recognised at the TV Choice Awards, where it won Best Daytime Show for the first time.