Hundreds of farmers from across the UK are ready to converge on Westminster for a large-scale protest against the government’s contentious decision to extend inheritance tax to family farms. The rally, organized by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), will take place on 19th November, with demonstrators expected to bring tractors and heavy machinery that could bring traffic in central London to a standstill.
The upcoming protest comes as anger grows over changes outlined in the recent Budget, which will see farmland’s long-standing exemption from death duties partially revoked. Under new rules set to take effect in April 2026, farmers can claim 100% tax relief on the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business assets, but this drops to 50% for amounts exceeding that threshold. Dubbed by critics as the “tractor tax,” the policy marks the first time family farms have faced such an inheritance tax.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed has faced mounting criticism from the farming community but has stood by the policy. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Reed argued that the change is aimed at fairness and only impacts the wealthiest estates. “Only the richest estates will be asked to pay – not small, family farms as some misleading headlines have claimed,” he noted. Reed emphasized that the policy was designed to protect family farms while funding public services that rural communities depend on, such as the NHS and public transport.
Reed acknowledged farmers’ anxiety, stating, “I completely understand farmers’ anxiety at any changes. But rural communities need a better NHS, affordable housing, and public transport that we can provide if we make the system fairer.” He reiterated that the “vast majority of farmers will not be affected at all” and insisted that family farms could still be passed down to future generations as before.
Despite these assurances, the NFU and numerous farmers remain unconvinced. NFU President Tom Bradshaw expressed deep concern over the government’s stance, noting that he has “never seen the farming industry in the position it is in at the moment.” He highlighted the intense pressure facing the sector after years of challenges, including Brexit and extreme weather conditions, stating, “Today the tension, the anger, the frustration, it is so, so tangible.”
Bradshaw, who is set to meet with Environment Secretary Reed on Monday, said the government’s approach “needs to be overturned and fast.” He pointed out that while farmers may appear asset-rich due to their land, the actual financial return from these assets is typically minimal. “I think there’s a real anger in the countryside that this Government is demonstrating that they don’t understand the farming industry,” he added.
The policy has drawn criticism not just from farmers but also from political figures. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, stated that his party would “absolutely” reverse the inheritance tax changes if in power. At a press gallery lunch in Parliament, he emphasized the profound impact the policy could have on rural communities. “Farms tend to go down generation to generation. It’s how they work and it’s really important,” Davey said, highlighting that about 50% of farms are valued at £1.5 million or more, making them vulnerable under the new rules.
Farmers argue that the tax change threatens not only their livelihoods but also the UK’s food security and ongoing environmental conservation efforts. Many fear that the move could force the sale of family farms, disrupt generational continuity, and diminish local food production.
Bradshaw summarized the sentiment by saying, “They’ve shown us with this budget they just don’t understand what we do to produce the country’s food.” He called on the government to reconsider, stressing that while the Labour manifesto’s pledge that “Food security is national security” resonated with farmers, meaningful support was now needed beyond words.
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