In a move that defies both logic and decency, Labour MPs have voted to impose inheritance tax on death-in-service payments for military families for the first time. This new policy, championed by Rachel Reeves, is nothing short of a disgraceful assault on the men and women who risk their lives for this nation and the families they leave behind.
As a Royal Marines Commando, I served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, often finding myself in highly dangerous situations. Whether it was the ever-present threat of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or the possibility of being engaged in a firefight with the enemy, the risk of mortal danger was always on our minds.
Back then, it was reassuring to know that we had the unwavering support of our military, state, and government, who were committed to looking after our families if the worst-case scenario occurred and we did not return home.
This new tax raid is a betrayal of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for their country. Their country should, in turn, demonstrate the same loyalty to them and their families.
From April 2027, children and unmarried partners of deceased service personnel will be forced to pay death duties on the very payments meant to provide them with a lifeline during their darkest hours. These death-in-service payments, currently tax-free and amounting to four times the late individual’s salary, are designed to offer a measure of stability to grieving families.
Under Labour’s changes, these payments will now face the punitive grip of inheritance tax unless left to a spouse or civil partner.
Let us be clear, this policy is not about fairness or fiscal necessity. It is a deliberate ideological attack that raises next to nothing for the Treasury but causes untold damage to military families. The fiscal gain is negligible compared to the immense emotional and moral cost.
This is a brazen affront to the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces personnel, who have fought — and in many cases died — to preserve the freedoms and security of this nation.
The policy targets “off-duty” deaths, such as those from sudden illnesses or accidents, reducing payments by up to 40%. Labour would have us believe that distinguishing between “on-duty” and “off-duty” deaths is a fair compromise. This is nonsense. Military service is not a nine-to-five job; it is a lifelong commitment. Whether a servicemember dies on active duty or not, their service to the country remains the same, and their families should not be penalised for it.
This measure is not only morally bankrupt but also corrosive to the morale and trust of our Armed Forces. Major General Neil Marshall, head of the Forces Pension Society, has warned that this policy will erode trust between service members and the government. How can we expect our military personnel to give their all when their families are treated with such contempt?
The reality is that this policy emerged not out of necessity but from the bowels of bureaucratic indifference. It is a lazy, thoughtless grab for cash from a government too blind to see the human cost.
The Armed Forces have always stood as a symbol of Britain’s strength and unity. They deserve better than to be betrayed by their own government. Instead of penalising military families, we should be supporting them, ensuring that their sacrifices are honoured — not diminished.
This policy must be reversed immediately. It is not just bad governance; it is an insult to the brave men and women who have given everything for our country. Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and anybody else in the Labour Party who agrees with this insane policy should hang their heads in shame.
Richard Thomson served as a Royal Marine for eight years and stood for Reform UK in the 2024 General Election
