Farmers across the UK are gearing up for what could be one of the largest agricultural protests seen in recent years, as they express their dissatisfaction with Labour's proposed changes to inheritance tax affecting farmland. The latest budget announcement has ignited flames of outrage among agricultural communities, who fear the repercussions of these financial reforms can threaten their generational farms.
On Tuesday, November 19, farmers will flood Westminster to voice their grievances, uniting under their associations to highlight the adverse effects of the Labour government's budget proposals. Farmers from Shropshire, Wales, Northern Ireland, and beyond plan to march alongside members of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) to demand the government reconsider its decisions made during the autumn budget.
These proposed reforms include axing historic Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and introducing new inheritance tax regulations whereby farms valued at over £1 million will be taxed at 20% from April 2026. This change, as critics have pointed out, could threaten family farms, which make up around two-thirds of Britain’s agricultural base. Farmers argue these new measures coming from the Labour government are far removed from the reality on the ground, where many rely on their land for both income and livelihood.
The agricultural sector experienced incredibly challenging times leading up to this point, including the worst harvest reported by many farmers as they struggled with the impacts of COVID-19, Brexit, and rising costs of living. And just when they thought things couldn't get worse, news of the inheritance tax reforms has sent shockwaves through rural communities.
Gareth Wyn Jones, renowned Welsh farmer and social media influencer, spoke candidly to the press, expressing his reluctance to sell any lamb or beef this week, stating, "This is not to make people hungry, this is to show what's to come in the future." His frustration speaks volumes, showcasing just how serious and impactful these changes are expected to be, especially for smaller family-run farms. Farmers who have nurtured their land for generations are not only concerned about their financial future but about the very fabric of the agricultural community.
Local MP Carla Lockhart, who has penned letters to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, voiced her concerns prevalent among many farmers. Lockhart's letter describes how around one-third of farms could face significant challenges because of the new tax situation. The looming specter of financial strain hangs over farms, jeopardizing their ability to continue through successive generations.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw has expressed the coalition of farmers' sentiments, sharply criticizing the government for appearing detached from the struggles faced by the farming community. Farmers argue they are being painted with the same brush as wealthy elites who often sidestep inheritance tax through loopholes. The new policy, they argue, threatens to add financial burdens on families already struggling to make ends meet.
Join the protest or not, the discussions around farming policy are complex and heated. Many farmers contend with the fact their land is asset-rich but cash-poor, as the land holds significant value but does not automatically translate to liquid income. This dilemma makes meeting potential inheritance tax bills even more challenging.
Wem dairy farmer Neale Sadler, whose family has run their farm for generations, echoed the concerns of many when he confessed, "The only option would be for farmers to sell land to pay extra tax - which means potentially losing 15 or 20% of your farm, making it even less profitable than it is now." With many farmers fearing they may not be able to pass on their family legacy, there’s legitimate anxiety about the future.
During all of this, the Prime Minister has remained defiant, affirming confidence the majority of farmers will escape the tax net. He emphasizes around 500 claims will be impacted, leaving 99% untouched. Farmers, meanwhile, question where such reassurances come from, feeling they are left out of the conversation around policies directly affecting their ability to farm.
To combat this legislative change, farmers are shifting from mere discussions to action, determined to stand their ground and advocate for the preservation of their farms and livelihoods. On November 19, hundreds of farmers will make their way to Church House at Westminster, where they will have the opportunity to explain firsthand to MPs the impact these policy changes will have on their farms.
Weathered by countless challenges over the years, UK’s farmers refuse to remain silent, determined their voices will echo throughout the halls of power. They are fighting not only for their farms but for the sake of food security, rural livelihoods, and the continuation of family traditions across generations.
