Protesting farmers have gathered in Westminster to demonstrate against the UK government’s proposed new inheritance tax rules, as shown in vivid pictures capturing the scale of the demonstration. Tractors and tanks lined the streets of Westminster as hundreds of farmers from rural areas made their way to the capital to voice their concerns to Chancellor Rachel Reeves regarding the planned introduction of a 20% inheritance tax rate on farms valued over £1 million.
The Labour Government has stood firm on its decision, stating that there will be no reversal of the proposed tax changes. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, joined the farmers at the Farmers to Action campaign event in north London, highlighting the growing pressure on rural Labour MPs and suggesting that sustained and peaceful campaigning could lead to changes. Farage criticised the tax as a “death tax” and advocated for the complete elimination of inheritance tax as a positive step.
This marks the third time farmers have converged on Westminster since the announcement of the 20% inheritance tax rate in the last Budget. The new rules are set to take effect in April 2026, removing the previous exemption that allowed family farms to pass down without incurring inheritance tax. The tractor rally, organised by Save British Farming, coincides with MPs discussing an e-petition with over 148,000 signatures calling for the preservation of the existing inheritance tax exemptions for working farms.
Alan Hughes, a farmer from the Hereford-Shropshire border region, expressed the challenges faced by farmers in sustaining their livelihoods amidst increasing financial burdens. Hughes, speaking at the Farmers To Action campaign event, emphasised the risk of losing generational farming heritage and called for the abolition of inheritance tax across the board. He urged the government to prioritise national infrastructure and food security over excessive taxation on farmers.
In response to the petition, the Government reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers while acknowledging the need to address public finances fairly. The Government defended the reform of inheritance tax reliefs as striking a balance between fiscal responsibility and supporting the agricultural sector. The continued presence of protesting farmers in Westminster reflects the deep-seated concerns within the farming community regarding the potential impact of the proposed inheritance tax changes.
Despite the Government’s position, farmers remain resolute in their opposition to the new tax rules, fearing the detrimental effects it may have on their businesses and future generations. The visual impact of tractors adorned with Union Jack flags rolling through the streets of London serves as a powerful symbol of the farming community’s unity and determination to be heard. The ongoing dialogue between farmers and policymakers underscores the complex interplay between fiscal policy and the livelihoods of those in the agricultural sector.
The challenges faced by farmers in navigating economic uncertainties and policy changes highlight the importance of continued advocacy and engagement with governmental decisions. The protest in Westminster signifies a broader conversation around the role of inheritance tax in shaping the future of farming in the UK. As discussions evolve, the voices of farmers echo the need for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and uphold intergenerational farming legacies.