Farmers are gearing up for large-scale protests in London in response to the government’s inheritance tax plans that are causing an uproar within rural communities. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is organizing an event where 1,800 members will meet with local MPs at Westminster to express their discontent, while thousands more are expected to participate in a separate demonstration in Whitehall.
The government’s proposal to impose inheritance tax on farms valued at over £1m has triggered outrage among farmers, who argue that small family farms will indeed be affected by the changes. The NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, expressed deep concern over the impact of these tax plans on the farming community, warning of disillusionment and distrust among farmers.
In response to the proposed tax changes, farmers are set to rally in London, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 attendees. The event will feature speeches from key figures such as NFU president Tom Bradshaw and TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who is also a farm owner.
The NFU is also holding a mass lobby of MPs in Church House in Westminster to address key concerns regarding the inheritance tax changes. Farmers will emphasize the importance of preserving agricultural property relief and the impact of the tax on food security and the farming industry as a whole.
Farmers like Richard Wainwright from West Yorkshire are considering the possibility of striking if the government does not reverse the changes to agricultural property relief. Wainwright expressed concerns about the financial burden these tax plans would place on his farm, potentially leading to the sale of land to cover the tax bill.
The NFU has criticized Environment Secretary Steve Reed for treating the farming industry with contempt and called for a resolution to the ongoing issue surrounding inheritance tax. The union is urging the government to reconsider its stance and address the concerns raised by farmers across the country.
As farmers prepare to descend on Westminster in protest, the government is facing mounting pressure to rethink its inheritance tax plans and work towards a solution that addresses the needs and concerns of the farming community. The unity and determination displayed by farmers in their fight against these tax changes highlight the significance of protecting family farms and preserving the agricultural heritage of the UK.
