Farm kids’ letters urge PM to revoke ‘family farm tax’

A group of children from farming families delivered heartfelt letters to prime minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday 2 January, urging him to reconsider his stance on a controversial inheritance tax that could impact their future on family farms.

The children’s letters, collected from across the country over Christmas, express deep concern over the government’s plans to introduce farm inheritance tax from April 2026, dubbed the “family farm tax”, which farming organisations including the NFU warn could force farming families to sell their land.

The letters highlight the children’s fears about losing the legacy of farming that has been passed down through generations.

See also: In pictures: 600 tractors take part in London protest

The poignant moment took place at 12.30pm when five children, accompanied by Simon Broad, a Kent farmer and father, delivered the letters to 10 Downing Street.

© Save British Farming

Mr Broad, who conceived the idea, said: “After taking part in the tractor protests, I wanted to involve my children, especially my son who is passionate about this cause.

“He may be too young to join the protests, but this issue directly affects his future.”

The event follows a wave of protests and advocacy, including the largest tractor demonstration in London on 11 December, where over 650 tractors and thousands of farmers gathered to show their opposition to the proposed tax.

The campaign, led by the Save British Farming (SBF) group, calls for a series of measures to protect the future of British farming.

These include scrapping the inheritance tax, strengthening food security, and ensuring fair pricing in the agricultural supply chain.

Government ‘must listen’

SBF founder Liz Webster expressed her concern for the younger generation. 

She said: “Farms are central to Britain’s history and identity. It’s devastating to see our children suffering from anxiety over their futures. The government needs to listen to farming families and reverse this tax proposal.”

The children’s delivery of their letters is part of an ongoing campaign to ensure that family farms are not burdened with crippling taxes that could jeopardise their ability to continue farming for generations to come.