Farmers blocked London streets with tractors protesting against new tax regulations

Hundreds of farmers drove tractors through London today in a protest organized by Save British Farming, aimed at highlighting the current threats to British agriculture. The rally, dubbed RIP British Farming, drew attention to several pressing issues facing the British farming community.

Among the primary concerns voiced by the farmers were recent changes to inheritance tax reliefs announced by Chancellor Reeves. The protesters demanded the reversal of these changes, a halt to the fast-track removal of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) supports, and measures to ensure fairness in the agricultural supply chain.

Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming and co-organiser of the event, emphasized the strategic importance of domestic food production. “We learnt hard lessons in the last two world wars about the fact that food security is national security,” Webster stated, calling on opposition leader Keir Starmer to reconsider the government’s stance for the country’s benefit.

The debate over inheritance tax intensified early December when a Conservative motion against the so-called family farm tax was defeated in parliament, with 339 votes against and 181 in favor. The vote saw 330 Labour MPs, along with seven independents and two Green Party MPs, opposing the motion, while 96 Conservatives and several MPs from other parties including the Liberal Democrats and SNP supported it.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has reported that the new tax could severely impact rural businesses, with a 200-acre farm potentially facing a £370,000 bill, which could consume more than 100% of annual profits. Even larger farms are not exempt, with a potential £475,000 tax bill threatening to erase 99% of profits over a decade.

Matt Cullen, another co-organizer from Fairness For Farmers, expressed a militant stance against the government’s tax decisions. “The time has now come for farmers to unite and stand up and fight back against the government tax decisions,” said Cullen. “This is war, and we will win and force the government into a U-turn.”

Welsh farmer and TV presenter Gareth Wyn Jones also attended the protest, stressing the importance of farmers to the nation’s food security and affordability. “Let’s build a better Britain on our bellies. That’s why farmers are so important to food security and affordable, healthy food for everyone in the UK,” Jones commented, hinting at the essential role farmers play in the national economy and well-being.