Jeremy Clarkson has clarified recent comments about buying a farm to avoid tax, stating it is ‘not true’. The TV presenter and journalist, known for his role in ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, revealed that he initially thought it would make for a better PR story to claim he bought the farm for tax purposes. Clarkson recently joined a protest against changes in agricultural inheritance tax, where he mentioned that avoiding tax was a critical factor in his decision to purchase the land.
In a statement to The Times, Clarkson admitted that he had not previously disclosed the real reason behind buying the farm. He explained that his original intention was to have a shooting ground, but he decided to frame it as a tax-saving measure for publicity reasons. Despite his involvement in the recent protest and his active role in advocating for farmers’ rights, Clarkson stated that he does not consider himself a farmer due to his limitations in performing essential farming tasks. However, he sees himself as a reporter on farming issues.
Clarkson also addressed the issue of rural poverty, acknowledging that it is often overlooked, especially in his show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’. He highlighted the disparity between the portrayal of his farm shop, Diddly Squat, and the reality of poverty experienced by many farmers. While expressing concern about the hidden rural poverty, Clarkson admitted that his show does not effectively shed light on this issue, as it primarily focuses on his farm shop’s success.
Despite his involvement in various TV projects like ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ and ‘The Grand Tour’, Clarkson dismissed the idea of entering politics, claiming that he prefers being a journalist. He emphasised his support for the recent farmers’ march and expressed his willingness to back any escalation of the movement. Clarkson recently underwent a heart procedure and shared his health scare experience in a Sunday Times column, where he revealed the seriousness of the situation and his near encounter with a critical health condition.
As Clarkson continues to navigate his TV career and advocate for farmers’ rights, his role in the agriculture industry remains under scrutiny. With the renewal of ‘Clarkson’s Farm’ for a fifth series, there is growing interest in how he balances his media persona with his newfound activism. Despite his initial statements about tax avoidance, Clarkson’s evolving stance on farming issues reflects a broader dialogue about rural challenges and the need for greater awareness and support for farmers across the UK.