Farmers planning another mass tractor rally in London
The rally in March © Save British Farming Farmers are gearing up for a mass tractor rally in London, organised by Save British Farming and Kent Fairness for Farmers, to oppose the government’s planned farm inheritance tax and what they see as the increasing burden of anti-farming government policy on UK agriculture.
The farmer demonstration, which is planned to take place on Wednesday, 11 December, aims to highlight the multiple financial pressures threatening the future of British family farms.
The government’s proposed introduction of a 20% inheritance tax on farm estates worth more than £1m from April 2026 has sparked widespread outrage in the agricultural community.
See also: Tractor convoy descends on Dover to protest farm tax raid
British farmers argue that the policy, combined with the fast-track withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme, increasing farm employer costs and a carbon tax on fertiliser, among other policies, could force families to sell land to cover tax bills, breaking up livelihoods and generations of UK farming businesses.
Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, told Farmers Weekly: “I urge anyone who values our beautiful countryside and healthy British food to support this demo and make it a great success.
“While we are protesting the offensive on British farming by successive governments, we are determined to ensure a carnival procession to celebrate the positive aspects of farming in Britain.”
Meeting point to be confirmed
Information on meeting points for farmers with their tractors will be released soon.
Farmers are being encouraged to decorate their tractors with Christmas lights to remind the public about who provides their festive food.
North Wales hill farmer Gareth Wyn Jones has given his support to the rally and is due to address crowds on the day.
He said: “It’s about time that the government understands that they shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds them.”
The tractor procession is expected to leave at around noon and make its way to Parliament Square to coincide with prime minister’s questions (PMQs), which will be taking place at around the same time.
The organisers will soon set up an online link for people to register their attendance.
Save British Farming and Kent Fairness for Farmers staged the country’s biggest ever tractor rally in London in March to demonstrate farmer opposition to low-standard imports, poor labelling and the loss of food security.
“Sir Keir Starmer promised ‘change’ and that his government would support British farmers and deliver a new deal. But we can now all see that he lied,” added Ms Webster.
“We either lie down and capitulate to the end of farming, or we rise up against this undemocratic assault on our way of life.”
Organisers of the rally have thanked the Metropolitan Police for facilitating this event and farmers’ legal right to demonstrate.