Thousands of British farmers, driving tractors and carrying signs, have converged on London to protest the government's recent changes to inheritance tax laws affecting agricultural land — a new policy will subject farms valued over £1 million to a 20% inheritance tax starting in April 2026.
The protest, marked by a strong presence of farming vehicles around Parliament Square, is one of the largest gatherings of farmers in recent years, highlighting frustration with the proposed tax.
Previously, agricultural assets were exempt from this tax, allowing farms to be passed down through generations without financial burden. Farmers argue the tax could force many to sell their land, threatening the future of family-run farms and potentially impacting Britain's food security.
Protesters carried signs with messages like "No Farmers, No Food, No Future" and "Starmer the Farmer Harmer", criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government for the policy.
Celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson, known from his show Clarkson's Farm, were seen in the crowds, adding weight to the farmers' cause.
Politicians have defended the tax change, stating it aims to balance public service funding needs with fairness in taxation, claiming that only a small percentage of the wealthiest farms would be affected. However, farming organizations and the protesters dispute these figures, warning of broader implications for the agricultural sector.
The atmosphere in Westminster was charged with the sound of tractor horns and chants, signaling a public outcry against the tax reform. The protest has not only highlighted the financial strain on farming families but also sparked a wider debate about rural livelihoods and the role of government in supporting agriculture.
As the demonstration continued into the afternoon on Monday, there was no indication from the government that they would reconsider the policy, but the scale of the protest might influence future discussions on agricultural policy and inheritance tax.
The event has led to significant traffic disruptions in central London, with tractors parked along Whitehall and extending back to Trafalgar Square.
