Farmers gathered outside the Welsh Labour conference this week to voice their frustrations over recent changes to inheritance tax, coinciding with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's address to party members. A convoy of tractors and hundreds of protesters made their presence known as the Prime Minister hailed what he called the "path of change" for Labour governments, commending the party's election victories.
Starmer's address, delivered at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, focused predominantly on the achievements of Labour following the election of 27 MPs from the party, creating what he termed a “Tory-free zone” across Wales. "For 14 years, this nation has carried the torch for the entire Labour Party," he stated, emphasizing the unity of Labour efforts between Wales and Westminster.
Simultaneously, the farmers outside were mobilized against changes proposed by Labour's Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, during her recent Budget announcement. The planned alterations to inheritance tax rules would apply to farms valued over £1 million, imposing what many farmers decried as detrimental financial burdens. The farmers’ protests were organized under the banner of Digon yw Digon—a Welsh phrase meaning “Enough is enough.”
Leading the protest was Gareth Wyn Jones, a Welsh farmer and popular YouTuber, who conveyed the concerns of the farming community. He criticized the government’s perceived indifference to the plight of farmers who, according to him, are “on their knees, struggling.” Wyn Jones highlighted how the new inheritance tax rules would necessitate significant land sales, potentially removing up to 50% of farming capabilities, questioning the government’s figures which suggested only 500 farms would be impacted across the UK.
He asserted, "Look, a lot of farmers are elderly; they haven’t passed down their farms because they knew there would never be inheritance tax before. We depend on the government for support, not more restrictions.” The farmers expressed collective dissatisfaction, insisting they felt their voices were not heard by the Labour government.
Starmer's speech, which rang with optimism about future funding commitments to Wales, was delivered without addressing the concerns of the protesting farmers directly. Highlights included promises of substantial investments, like the record £21 billion allocation for Welsh services, signifying the government's response to regional needs. He also emphasized the importance of facing "fiscal reality," pledging to defend the decisions made by his administration.
Meanwhile, the protest remained heated as farmers delivered letters to Starmer calling for reconsideration of the tax hike, stating, "Don’t bite the hand that's feeding you." The farmers argue the changes threaten not only their livelihoods but also the food security of the nation.
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan and deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies met with some farming representatives post-speech, attempting to bridge the gap between the government’s policies and farmers’ needs. During previous proceedings, Morgan reassured the Senedd of the small number of farms impacted, yet could not provide specific numbers, deferring to Treasury data.
Farmers are increasingly vocal about their worries concerning the impacts of such policies on the agricultural sector, which they claim has been overlooked and undervalued by successive governments. Their perspective was echoed by rallying cries, demanding government action and consideration as people pushed back against what they see as government negligence.
With the backdrop of Starmer's conference reinforcing Labour's commitment to its constituents, the farmers' activism illustrated the pressing tensions between governmental agendas and local agricultural realities. With agricultural policies playing increasingly pivotal roles, both the government and agricultural bodies will enter discussions to seek common ground, signaling the need for effective solutions as farmers push back against fiscal pressures.
This recent uproar demonstrates the increasingly fractious relationship between primary sectors such as farming and governmental policies, particularly within the changing economic climate. The collective determination of the protesting farmers showcases the urgent need for dialogue surrounding the policies affecting their livelihood.
