UK farmers protest changes to inheritance tax

Thousands of farmers have rallied in London to speak against the inheritance tax changes for farmers outlined in the recent budget. Among the protesters was Jeremy Clarkson, who voiced his concerns, stating that “it’s the end” for farmers and urging the government to reconsider its position.

Starting from April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1 million that are inherited, previously exempt from tax, will now be subject to a 20% inheritance tax.

This is half the usual rate, but other allowances may allow a married couple or civil partners to transfer a farm worth as much as £3 million without incurring inheritance tax.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged farmers’ concerns, saying he understands them and “wants to support” the agricultural community. However, he added that “the vast majority of farms would be unaffected at all by this.”

The Met Police estimated that over 10,000 people attended the protest in Whitehall. Scotland Yard reported that the protest had concluded, and participants were beginning to disperse. The police urged those remaining to “move onto pavements so we can get the roads reopened and minimize further disruption.” Due to the size of the crowds, the march was rerouted, and it continued in Whitehall rather than turning back toward Parliament Square as initially planned.

Following videos circulating on social media showing tractors knocking over police barriers, the police stated that “driving over a police barrier line is not acceptable and the drivers will be reported for the offence.”

Clarkson criticized the government’s approach, calling the inheritance tax changes a “very rushed last-minute decision.” He suggested that the government should acknowledge its mistake and “back down, I think we all make mistakes in life, and I think it’s time for them to say ‘you know what, we’ve cocked this one up a bit.'”

National Farmers Union (NFU) president, Tom Bradshaw described the tax changes as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” There is disagreement over the number of farms that will be impacted. The government estimates that the change will affect only the wealthiest 500 estates annually, but the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) claim that up to 70,000 farms could be affected.

The new rules would impose a 20% inheritance tax on any value over £1 million, but only the value above that threshold will be taxed, not the entire value of the estate. The £325,000 tax-free threshold for property means the total untaxed amount could reach £1.325 million. If a farmer is married, the spouse can transfer an additional £1.325 million tax-free, bringing the total to £2.65 million.

Furthermore, a £175,000 allowance for passing a main residence to children or grandchildren brings the untaxed total for a farming couple to as much as £3 million.

While attending the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Starmer defended the budget, emphasizing that the “vast majority” of farms would be “unaffected” by the changes.

Starmer, who grew up in the countryside, acknowledged the farmers’ concerns and stated that the Labour government is investing in rural communities, including £5 billion over two years for farming and food sustainability, and additional funding for flooding and disease outbreaks.

When asked about potential adjustments to the inheritance tax plan, Starmer reiterated that only farms and assets over £3 million would be affected, and he remains confident that “the vast majority of farms will not be affected.”

Ahead of the rally, Alan Jones, a student from west Wales and the ninth generation of her family to farm livestock, expressed frustration, saying her parents had planned to pass down the family farm to her and her sister.

“All the work they have done to build the business and get this farm to stand on its own just feels like it’s for nothing,” she said. She also highlighted the significant mental health challenges in the farming community, noting that this tax change could be “the final nail in the coffin for those farmers who are already struggling.”

Rupert Dale, who runs a hay farm on the Worcestershire/Shropshire border, said that his family now fears they may have to sell the farm due to the potential inheritance tax burden. “Me and my brother would have to pay an immense sum for our farm to carry on, and that’s a sum that we spoke about together as a family that we would not be able to finance and afford.”

Students’ Union president Alexandra Godfrey said, “I think this is one of the most pressing challenges in the farming sector and we all need to rally together to tell the government how we feel. If not now, when?”

Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins criticized the budget, claiming it was a “budget of broken promises” that was “killing British farming.” She pointed out that “Farmers can be asset rich, but cash poor,” stressing that farming is a “365-day responsibility.”

The Liberal Democrats also rejected the government’s claim that only the wealthiest 500 estates would be affected, with environment spokesman Tim Farron calling the policy “utter rubbish.” He added, “The only way that people can pay the inheritance is get rid of the farm – so corporates buy it. It’s cruel, it’s unfair, it’s also incredibly stupid.”

(BBC)

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