Hundreds of tractors head to London for IHT protest

More than 1,000 tractors rolled in to Whitehall today (Monday 10 February) for a mass rally against the government’s anti-farming policies, especially the proposed farm inheritance tax.

Farmers travelled from as far Lincoln, Devon, Worcestershire, Somerset, Derbyshire, Berkshire, Kent, Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire and Essex to take part in the demonstration.

It is the third time since the Autumn Budget that anxious farmers have converged on the capital to send a direct message to Sir Keir Starmer’s government and to communicate their message to the public.

The event, which was organised by Save British Farming (SBF), was timed to coincide with a parliamentary debate taking place on Monday afternoon in response to an online petition which urges the UK government to scrap the “family farm tax”.

See also: Video: 600 tractors make a statement against farm tax policy

Prominent figures such as NFU president Tom Bradshaw, food poverty campaigner Dominic Watters, celebrity farmer Gareth Wyn Jones, and Country Land and Business Association (CLA) representatives are lined up to speak at the rally, amplifying the farming community’s message.

Jess Sharp, a future ninth generation Leicestershire farmer and Sussex tenant dairy farmer Sally Field will also address the crowd.

The protesters are calling on the Labour government to rethink its proposal to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets worth more than £1m, set to take effect in April 2026.

Many in the farming community fear that the tax would force them to sell land or business assets to meet the tax liability, threatening the future of family-run farms across the UK.

More than 100 tractors had gathered at Berkshire farmer Colin Rayner’s Berkyn Manor Farm in Horton before heading into central London.

© Louise Impey

Liz Webster, founder of SBF, said the government’s failure to learn from history is putting Britain at risk of a food crisis.

“We cannot rely on cheap imports from volatile regions, and our food security should be a national priority,” she said, highlighting concerns about the government’s approach to farming and food production.

The rally comes as a parliamentary debate takes place later on Monday on a petition opposing the inheritance tax, which has garnered nearly 150,000 signatures.

The petition calls for the government to scrap the proposed tax, arguing that it would jeopardise the viability of family farms across the country.

Analysis by the CLA has shown that a typical arable farm would have to pay 159% of its profit each year to cover the tax bill, if payments are spread over 10 years.

© Caroline Graham

Growing case against inheritance tax

CLA deputy president Gavin Lane, who will speak at the rally, said: “The government is hoping we’d move on, but these are our livelihoods we are defending. 

“This issue will haunt them until they see sense. The case against these tax reforms is only growing stronger, and we are working to bring the whole of British industry together for the common good. 

“We are delighted to be supporting the rally on Monday and thank everyone involved, and the public, for their backing.”

Farmers are also voicing frustration over other policies, including drastic reductions in direct payments in England, increased tax on double-cab pickups and fertilisers, and delays in funding for key agricultural schemes.

SBF has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover event costs, including banners and a mobile screen to broadcast the debate.

Ms Webster spoke about the importance of continued support for the campaign.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to build momentum to ensure a government U-turn on this disastrous Budget for farming.”

The Treasury and chancellor Rachel Reeves is still refusing to meet with farm leaders, including NFU president Tom Bradshaw.

Government response

A UK government spokesman said previously: “The government will invest £5bn in farming [in England] over the next two years, the largest budget for sustainable food production in UK history.

“Reforms to agricultural and business property relief will lower the inheritance tax rate to 20%, down from 40%, with payments spread over 10 years, interest-free.

“This fair approach will support public services and impact around 500 estates annually.”