Farmers protest in London over inheritance tax

Hannah Bietz
Hannah Bietz
Farmers protest in London over inheritance tax
Farmers protest in London over inheritance tax

Hundreds of tractors filled the streets of London on Monday as farmers protested against proposed changes to inheritance tax laws. The demonstration, organized by Save British Farming, took place in Westminster. The Labour Party’s proposed legislation would impose a 20% inheritance tax on operational farms valued over £1 million.

This would significantly alter the current exemption that allows working farms to be passed down without such tax burdens. The changes are set to take effect in April 2026. Farmers argue that the new tax could force them to sell parts of their farms to pay the tax.

They say this could lead to a crisis in the agricultural sector.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) reports that 66% of farm businesses in England have a net value exceeding £1 million. This raises significant concerns about their ability to pay the new tax without selling essential assets.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that these changes are necessary to address a £22 billion fiscal deficit. However, farmers, including NFU President Tom Bradshaw, argue the tax changes create a “cruellest predicament” for elderly farmers. They may not live long enough to benefit from potential tax exemptions.

Farmers’ inheritance tax protest escalates

An e-petition against the changes has garnered over 148,000 signatures. It urges the government to maintain the current tax exemptions for working farms.

The protest marks the third time farmers have gathered in the capital since the tax changes were announced in 2024. Despite the Labour Party’s commitment to implementing the tax, protest organizers hope that this mass demonstration will push members of parliament to negotiate with the agricultural industry. They warn the government could be “marching into a food crisis” if negotiations do not occur.

Political figures such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage have publicly supported the farmers. He called for an end to what he referred to as “death taxes.” However, Save British Farming organizers told The Independent that Farage was not invited to the demonstration. They accused him of “jumping on the bandwagon.”

The issue has garnered significant media attention, with coverage from numerous news outlets highlighting different aspects of the protest and the proposed tax changes.

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While media on the political left focus on the economic vulnerability of farming families, right-leaning outlets emphasize the political mobilization and large support for the protests through the e-petition. Farmers across Europe have similarly protested policies they see as harmful to the agricultural sector. This includes opposition to the European Union’s climate change policies last year, which many farmers argued hurt their ability to make a living.

The next step remains to be seen as the government faces mounting pressure from the agricultural community to reconsider the planned changes.

By Hannah Bietz
Hannah is a news contributor to SelfEmployed. She writes on current events, trending topics, and tips for our entrepreneurial audience.

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