Farmers stage IHT tractor protest across Humber Bridge
© Anne Handley Frustrated farmers drove their tractors over the Humber Bridge on Sunday (6 April) in a fresh protest against the Labour government’s controversial plans to impose a farm inheritance tax starting in April 2026.
The protest was timed to coincide with a good news story – the return of Humber Farmers’ Market after a five-year hiatus, which locals described as “rammed”.
Organised by a group of Yorkshire farmers, the #AxeTheFamilyFIRMtax event saw farmers unite with opposition MPs, councillors, mayoral candidates and representatives of local businesses whose plans will also be hit hard by the tax levy.
See also: Yorkshire farmers in tractor protest outside council offices
About 90 tractors gathered at about 10am at Humberdale Farm in Swanland, north of the Humber Bridge for an 11am departure.
Humber bridge today.
Tractor power. 🚜
Farmers protest against the inheritance tax on family farms.Photo credit: @AnnaLongthorp pic.twitter.com/fkxdxr3xJL
— No Farmers, No Food (@NoFarmsNoFoods) April 6, 2025
As the tractors and farm vehicles crossed the bridge, farmers were met with cheers, honking horns, and thumbs-up from supportive motorists and members of the public.
Participating farmers enjoyed a hog roast and refreshments, sponsored by JR Rix and Sons, at the finish point, Low Hunsley Farm, in Cottingham. Donations were raised in support of the Farming Community Network (FCN).
Economic growth irony
East Yorkshire pig farmer Anna Longthorp, who helped to co-organise the tractor rally, explained its significance.
“The Labour government has been banging on about economic growth, but every business you speak to tells you the Autumn Budget got rid of any incentive to invest and provide more jobs,” said Ms Longthorp.
“The impact of changes to agricultural and business property relief will extend far beyond farming, affecting a wide range of industries. You will be lucky to find any business that thinks the budget will have a positive effect for them.”
Ms Longthorp said closure of Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to new applicants, significant cuts to the Basic Payment Scheme, increased employer costs, and hikes in double cab pick-up taxes had all added further pain to farmers.
Farmers continue to call for a re-evaluation of the farm inheritance tax (IHT) plans, urging exemptions or reforms that would protect the future of family-run farms.
“Farmers are realistic. While we don’t expect the government to reverse its farm IHT plans, we believe they should make adjustments to offer relief for farmers who aren’t able to meet the seven-year requirement,” Ms Longthorp added.
Anne Handley, Conservative councillors and supporters © Anne Handley
Wider supply chain impact
East Riding councillor for Goole North, Anne Handley, Conservative candidate for Hull & East Riding Mayor, was among those who took part in the Humber Bridge protest, along with other Conservative councillors and members of the rural community.
She said: “The policies that the Labour government are bringing in and are wanting to bring in will have a serious impact on the local farming community and we cannot have it.
“It’s not just about farming, it’s about the wider supply chain that goes with it. It is endless. We need to keep Britain feeding and eating. So Keir Starmer, have a rethink about the policies you are bringing in.”
The UK government has consistently defended its plans to introduce a 20% tax on inherited agricultural assets valued over £1m from April 2026, arguing that the policy will only affect about 500 estates a year, a claim strongly disputed by farming organisations.