Hundreds of farmers descended on Westminster today, chanting “no farmers, no food” outside Downing Street, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced intense scrutiny in Parliament over proposed changes to inheritance tax laws.
The protest, organised by Save British Farming and Kent Fairness for Farmers, saw tractors block parts of Whitehall, reflecting widespread discontent within the agricultural sector.
The demonstration comes in response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s controversial Budget proposal, which would impose a 20 per cent inheritance tax on agricultural assets exceeding £1 million.
The government claims the majority of farms will not be impacted, but farming groups argue that the £1 million threshold is far too low for many family-run operations. Approximately 500 farmers joined today’s rally, following a larger protest last month that attracted around 13,000 participants in the capital.
While the protest unfolded, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey challenged Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons, urging him to reconsider the reforms and acknowledge the importance of family farming. The Prime Minister maintained that most farms would remain unaffected, pointing to a £3 million exemption for “ordinary family” cases.
However, this reassurance failed to pacify many within the farming community. Matt Cullen, a beef farmer and member of Kent Fairness for Farmers, accused the government of disregarding rural livelihoods. “We won’t let them destroy our farms. This is war, and we will force a U-turn,” he declared.
Among the demonstrators was Claire Fifield, 26, whose step-family operates a tenanted farm in Buckinghamshire. She criticised the proposed threshold as unrealistic, given the financial demands of farming.
“They’ve clearly not consulted tenant farmers. It’s as if they’re targeting wealthy landowners, but in reality, this will devastate families who have farmed for generations,” she said.
The emotional strain on farmers was brought into sharp focus during a Commons Environment Committee session. Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), broke down in tears as he described the pressure on families.
Many farmers worry their elderly parents will not survive the seven-year period required to mitigate tax liabilities, potentially dismantling decades-old businesses. Bradshaw warned of severe consequences, including the risk of suicides among those overwhelmed by financial despair.
Conservative MP Jerome Mayhew reminded Sir Keir Starmer of his earlier pledge to protect family farms, accusing the Prime Minister of reneging on promises made to the NFU before the election.
Starmer defended his government’s record, citing a £5 billion support package for agriculture over the next two years, including £350 million announced last week.
Despite government reassurances, the farming community remains deeply sceptical. Many fear the new inheritance tax rules will threaten the future of family farms, jeopardising rural livelihoods and the production of British food. As protests continue, the standoff between the government and farmers shows no signs of abating.
