Farmers Protest 'Tractor Tax' in Central London, Block Streets with Tractors
Source: DairyNews.today
Hundreds of tractors filled the streets near the Houses of Parliament in central London on Wednesday as farmers protested against a new inheritance tax policy they argue will devastate family farms and threaten food security.
The measure, widely dubbed the "tractor tax," ends a longstanding exemption for agricultural inheritance and imposes a 20% levy on farm estates valued above £1 million starting in 2026. The government introduced the policy as part of broader efforts to fund strained public services, but it has drawn fierce opposition from the farming community.
"No Farmers, No Food"
Farmers rallied with banners reading, "No Farmers, No Food, No Future," and vowed to escalate protests if the policy is not reversed. Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer participating in the demonstration, described the measure as a severe blow to the agricultural sector.
"It's the final nail in our agricultural coffin," Jones said in front of rows of parked tractors.
The farming community contends that the new tax, combined with Brexit-related subsidy cuts, cheap imports, and competitive pressures from supermarkets, is making it increasingly difficult to sustain generational family farming.
Growing Backlash
This protest follows a series of demonstrations across the UK since the policy was announced in October. The largest protest occurred in mid-November, when 13,000 people gathered in Westminster, including high-profile farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson.
Despite mounting pressure, the government has shown no signs of reconsidering the policy. Environment Minister Steve Reed defended the move, emphasizing support for farmers through rural development schemes.
"We are focused on supporting our farmers, bolstering rural economic growth, and strengthening Britain’s food security," Reed said in a statement.
Impact on Farming
Under the new rules, married couples can combine personal allowances to shield up to £3 million in farm and associated property value from taxation. However, farmers argue that the policy still places an unfair burden on larger family farms, which are vital to food production.
Industry leaders warn that the policy could lead to increased consolidation, with smaller, family-run farms sold off to larger operators or non-agricultural buyers.
As protests grow louder, the farming sector is calling for the government to recognize the broader implications of its policies on food security, rural livelihoods, and the preservation of family farms.
"No Farmers, No Food"
Farmers rallied with banners reading, "No Farmers, No Food, No Future," and vowed to escalate protests if the policy is not reversed. Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer participating in the demonstration, described the measure as a severe blow to the agricultural sector.
"It's the final nail in our agricultural coffin," Jones said in front of rows of parked tractors.
The farming community contends that the new tax, combined with Brexit-related subsidy cuts, cheap imports, and competitive pressures from supermarkets, is making it increasingly difficult to sustain generational family farming.
Growing Backlash
This protest follows a series of demonstrations across the UK since the policy was announced in October. The largest protest occurred in mid-November, when 13,000 people gathered in Westminster, including high-profile farmer and TV personality Jeremy Clarkson.
Despite mounting pressure, the government has shown no signs of reconsidering the policy. Environment Minister Steve Reed defended the move, emphasizing support for farmers through rural development schemes.
"We are focused on supporting our farmers, bolstering rural economic growth, and strengthening Britain’s food security," Reed said in a statement.
Impact on Farming
Under the new rules, married couples can combine personal allowances to shield up to £3 million in farm and associated property value from taxation. However, farmers argue that the policy still places an unfair burden on larger family farms, which are vital to food production.
Industry leaders warn that the policy could lead to increased consolidation, with smaller, family-run farms sold off to larger operators or non-agricultural buyers.
As protests grow louder, the farming sector is calling for the government to recognize the broader implications of its policies on food security, rural livelihoods, and the preservation of family farms.
