Central London experienced significant traffic disruptions on Wednesday as hundreds of farmers staged a protest with tractors, expressing their discontent with the government's recent elimination of an inheritance tax exemption for agricultural families. This so-called "tractor tax," intended to bolster funding for public services, has sparked outrage among farmers who argue it will decimate family-run farms and negatively impact food production.
Farmers parked their tractors near the Houses of Parliament, aiming to pressure the government into reconsidering the tax or face further demonstrations. Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, amidst the stationary tractors and protest signs reading "No Farmers, No Food, No Future," described the tax as a devastating blow to the agricultural sector.
Farmers contend that their income has been steadily eroded due to competition from supermarkets, the influx of cheaper imported goods, and subsidy reductions post-Brexit. The removal of the tax-free inheritance of farms, a long-standing practice, adds another layer of financial burden. The government announced the tax in October, effective from 2026, triggering protests nationwide.
A major protest in mid-November saw 13,000 people congregate in Westminster, including prominent figures like Jeremy Clarkson, the former "Top Gear" presenter and star of Amazon's hit show "Clarkson's Farm." Despite the mounting pressure, the government has firmly stated it will not reverse its decision on the inheritance tax.
Environment Minister Steve Reed emphasized the government's commitment to supporting farmers through rural initiatives, focusing on economic growth in rural areas and strengthening Britain's food security. Starting in 2026, the new inheritance tax rules stipulate a 20% tax on the value of a farm exceeding £1 million. Existing personal allowances, combinable for married couples, raise the threshold for a farm and associated property to £3 million.
