The discontent is because of the adopted inheritance tax of 20%, which will be taxed on farms with economic assets over 1 million. pounds, as most are on the island
Thousands farmers in the United Kingdom they protested yesterday at Londonbecause of the simmering anger against the government tax on the legacy of the 20% and the direction of future policy.
The mass rally began at 11am on November 19 as more than 70,000 farms across the country will be affected by the new inheritance tax laws from April 2026, Farming.uk has reported.
Heirs of agricultural assets worth more than £1 million that were previously exempt will have to pay inheritance tax at 20% – half the usual rate.
The protest also took place against continued high costs, tightening margins and uncertainty about future government policy.
The New Labor government’s reform of Farming Property Relief (APR) proved to be the last straw for many.
At the same time as the rally, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) undertook a “mass lobbying of MPs” at the Church House conference center in Westminster, attended by 1,800 farmers.
Following the Autumn Budget and the Government’s subsequent doubling of inheritance tax, the industry has warned that family farms across the country will see a “catastrophic” impact on their businesses and livelihoods.
The Treasury said 73% of Farm Property Relief claims were under £1 million and therefore would not be affected by the policy, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) own figures show that only 34% of farms are below £1m net worth.
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the “shocking” policy was “built on bad data and launched without consultation”.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the farming industry so angry, so frustrated and so upset,” he told an audience in Westminster earlier today.
Ahead of the rally, Keir Starmer’s Cabinet issued a statement saying the government had to make “difficult decisions”.
They said: “The reforms ensure wealthier estates and the most valuable farms pay their fair share to invest in our schools and health services that farmers and families in rural communities rely on.”
The protest included several speeches by agricultural industry and political leaders.
Those attending the protest were also asked to bring along British produce to make a bulk donation to the Food Bank.
The rally was separate from the NFU’s “mass lobbying of MPs” event, which was attended by 1,800 farmers.
There, farmers asked their MPs to “look them in the eye” and tell them if they support the changes outlined in the recent budget.
At Church House, Bradshaw, the president of the National Farmers’ Union, warned that “I’ve never had such a bad farming budget in my lifetime”.
“We know what this means for our families, for our children, for our future. We know the terrible pressure it puts on older farmers, distressed to the point of pain.
“It’s wrong on every level and, just as bad, it won’t achieve what ministers want anyway.”
Both developments come because of inheritance tax changes to Farming Property Relief (APR), which are feared to deal a “hammer blow” to family farms.
Shrinking margins, record inflation, extreme weather and increased production costs meant many farmers were now at “breaking point” and “couldn’t bear any more cost burdens”.
The tax changes could also increase the cost of food for consumers, farm groups have warned, adding to the pressure on many people still experiencing the cost of living crisis.
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What impact do the government’s tax policies have on small family-owned farms in the UK?
1. Can you tell us more about the challenges faced by the farming industry in the United Kingdom and why are farmers protesting against the government’s tax policies?
2. What are the specific changes in the government’s tax policies that are causing concern amongst the farming community? How will these changes affect family-owned farms?
3. The National Farmers’ Union has warned of a “catastrophic” impact on family farms. Can you elaborate on this statement and explain how it will impact the agricultural sector as a whole?
4. What are some of the long-term implications of these tax policies on food security and the cost of living for the general public?
5. The protest also highlighted issues such as high costs, tightening margins, and uncertainty about future government policy. Can you discuss some of these other concerns and how they contribute to the overall context of the protest?
6. What efforts are being made by the government to address these issues and support the farming community? Are there alternative solutions or policy proposals being advocated by the farmers themselves?
