Farmers Protest in London Over Inheritance Tax Plans
Published 26 November 2025
Highlights
- Farmers protested in London against a proposed 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets over £1m, leading to several arrests.
- The government announced a tax break allowing spouses to transfer their £1m inheritance tax allowance, potentially saving farmers £30m next year.
- Farmers argue the tax will devastate small family farms, with some warning it could lead to job losses and threaten food security.
- The National Farmers' Union welcomed the changes but stated they do not fully address the policy's impact on farming communities.
- Despite police restrictions, tractors gathered near Trafalgar Square, highlighting the sector's discontent with the proposed tax reforms.
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Rewritten Article
Farmers Protest in London Over Inheritance Tax Plans
Farmers from across the UK descended on central London this week, driving tractors to Parliament in protest against a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural assets. The demonstration, coinciding with the Chancellor's budget announcement, saw several arrests as farmers voiced their concerns over the financial burden the tax could impose on small family farms.
Protest and Arrests in Central London
On Wednesday, more than a dozen tractors brought rush-hour traffic to a halt outside Parliament. Farmers repeatedly sounded their horns in defiance of police warnings against bringing vehicles into the area. David Gunn, an arable farmer from Kent, expressed his frustration, stating, "Inheritance tax is going to cripple the farmers, the small family farmers." The Metropolitan Police confirmed several arrests were made, although most protesters complied with the conditions set by officers.
Government's Tax Reforms and Farmers' Concerns
The proposed tax, set to take effect in April 2027, would levy a 20% charge on agricultural assets exceeding £1m. In response to mounting pressure, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a tax break allowing spouses to transfer their £1m inheritance tax allowance, potentially saving farmers £30m next year. However, many in the farming community, including Anna Longthorp from East Yorkshire, argue that the tax remains unaffordable and could lead to the demise of small farms. "If we don't overturn it, there aren't going to be any farmers," Longthorp warned.
Mixed Reactions from Farming Organizations
The National Farmers' Union welcomed the government's concession but insisted more needs to be done to mitigate the policy's impact. Tom Bradshaw, the union's president, acknowledged the changes as a step in the right direction but emphasized that they fall short of addressing the broader challenges facing farmers. "It does nothing to alleviate the burden it puts on the elderly and vulnerable," he said.
A Sector Under Pressure
The protest underscores the broader challenges facing the agricultural sector, including rising costs, market volatility, and climate change impacts. Tyler Carter, an 18-year-old protester from Peterborough, highlighted the personal stakes, stating, "It means my dad will be out of a job, which means I will be out of a job."
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Scenario Analysis
The proposed inheritance tax reforms have sparked significant unrest within the farming community, raising questions about the future viability of small family farms. If the government proceeds with the current plan, it could lead to increased financial strain on farmers, potentially resulting in job losses and reduced food security. However, the recent tax break announcement suggests the government may be open to further adjustments. Experts like tax specialist Dan Neidle have praised the changes as sensible, but continued dialogue between policymakers and farming representatives will be crucial to finding a balanced solution that supports both public services and the agricultural sector.
Farmers from across the UK descended on central London this week, driving tractors to Parliament in protest against a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural assets. The demonstration, coinciding with the Chancellor's budget announcement, saw several arrests as farmers voiced their concerns over the financial burden the tax could impose on small family farms.
Protest and Arrests in Central London
On Wednesday, more than a dozen tractors brought rush-hour traffic to a halt outside Parliament. Farmers repeatedly sounded their horns in defiance of police warnings against bringing vehicles into the area. David Gunn, an arable farmer from Kent, expressed his frustration, stating, "Inheritance tax is going to cripple the farmers, the small family farmers." The Metropolitan Police confirmed several arrests were made, although most protesters complied with the conditions set by officers.
Government's Tax Reforms and Farmers' Concerns
The proposed tax, set to take effect in April 2027, would levy a 20% charge on agricultural assets exceeding £1m. In response to mounting pressure, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a tax break allowing spouses to transfer their £1m inheritance tax allowance, potentially saving farmers £30m next year. However, many in the farming community, including Anna Longthorp from East Yorkshire, argue that the tax remains unaffordable and could lead to the demise of small farms. "If we don't overturn it, there aren't going to be any farmers," Longthorp warned.
Mixed Reactions from Farming Organizations
The National Farmers' Union welcomed the government's concession but insisted more needs to be done to mitigate the policy's impact. Tom Bradshaw, the union's president, acknowledged the changes as a step in the right direction but emphasized that they fall short of addressing the broader challenges facing farmers. "It does nothing to alleviate the burden it puts on the elderly and vulnerable," he said.
A Sector Under Pressure
The protest underscores the broader challenges facing the agricultural sector, including rising costs, market volatility, and climate change impacts. Tyler Carter, an 18-year-old protester from Peterborough, highlighted the personal stakes, stating, "It means my dad will be out of a job, which means I will be out of a job."
What this might mean
The proposed inheritance tax reforms have sparked significant unrest within the farming community, raising questions about the future viability of small family farms. If the government proceeds with the current plan, it could lead to increased financial strain on farmers, potentially resulting in job losses and reduced food security. However, the recent tax break announcement suggests the government may be open to further adjustments. Experts like tax specialist Dan Neidle have praised the changes as sensible, but continued dialogue between policymakers and farming representatives will be crucial to finding a balanced solution that supports both public services and the agricultural sector.
