Farmers Rally in Westminster Against Inheritance Tax Changes
Concerns Over Future of Family Farms Amid Proposed Tax Adjustments
On a brisk Tuesday, a large group of farmers from across the UK gathered in Westminster to protest against Labour's proposed changes to inheritance tax on agricultural businesses.
Amidst honking tractors and a sea of tweed-clad individuals, the demonstration drew an estimated 13,000 participants, leading Metropolitan police to restrict the march to Parliament Square for safety reasons.
The rally, organized in part by farmer Andrew Ward, also included significant food donations to the City Harvest food bank, amounting to 'tonnes and tonnes' of supplies.
Activists held signs targeting Labour leader Keir Starmer, dubbing him 'Farmer Harmer Starmer', as they gathered to hear from public figures including former 'Top Gear' presenter turned farming advocate Jeremy Clarkson.
Attendees expressed fears that the inheritance tax changes could force them to sell parts of their land.
Penny Fortescue, a 69-year-old farmer from Cambridgeshire, worried about passing her farm to her children under the new tax regime, citing a lack of financial viability without selling assets.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch seized the occasion to rally support from farmers, promising to reverse the tax changes if her party wins the next election.
She emphasized the significance of farming as more than just a business, calling it 'a way of life'.
Despite attempts to meet with MPs, some farmers faced obstacles.
Chris Robinson from Derbyshire and Tom Rees from Wales were among those frustrated by failed meetings with Labour representatives, further intensifying concerns about the support of rural issues within the current government structure.