The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has organised a national day of action on January 25, in opposition to the tax changes announced in Rachel Reeves’s October Budget.
Protests, including tractor rallies, are expected across rural areas, away from Westminster, with large roadside banners along major routes aimed at drawing MPs’ attention as they travel over the Christmas period, according to The Times.
The Budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, introduced significant changes to inheritance tax exemptions for farms valued over £1 million, with some properties seeing the threshold rise to £3 million.
The new tax policy imposes a 20% levy on farming assets above the £1 million threshold. Critics argue this will force many family-run farms to sell their land, undermining Britain’s rural heritage and threatening the viability of family farms.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw has condemned the policy, describing it as “destructive” and a threat to the future of farming in the UK. He stressed that farmers would continue to resist the changes.
“There is too much at risk: our families, our future, our heritage, and the very sector that provides a secure supply of British food,” Bradshaw said. “This day is an opportunity for people from across the UK to support family farms, to show unity, and for farmers and growers to stand together in opposition to the family farm tax.”
The planned protests will span England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as farmers and supporters rally against the policy.
Bradshaw also expressed gratitude for the ongoing public support, emphasising that the protests would not just be for the farming community, but for anyone who believes Britain’s family farms and the high-quality food they produce deserve better recognition and support.
While Chancellor Reeves has defended the policy, arguing it targets the wealthiest individuals seeking to avoid inheritance tax by acquiring agricultural land, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told the Liaison Committee that the changes were not aimed at any particular group.
The planned demonstrations will serve as a major rallying point for farmers, highlighting the growing opposition to the inheritance tax hike and the potential impact on Britain’s agricultural landscape.
