NFU launches ‘Big Banner’ day to campaign against IHT

Roadside and gate banners will be placed across the UK today (Thursday, 19 December) in a national display of solidarity against the proposed inheritance tax changes threatening family farms.

The Big Banner Day, led by the NFU alongside NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, and the Ulster Farmers’ Union, is designed to keep public attention on the issue and build political pressure on the government.

The banners will be placed in key political constituencies, with car stickers available to further boost visibility and spread awareness to a wider audience.

See also: BPR Summit speakers warn of devastating impact of tax raid

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The Big Banner Day is a powerful visual reminder to the government that our fight to protect family farms is far from over.

“These tax changes are unjust, based on flawed data, and risk destroying the very backbone of British agriculture.”

Starting in April 2026, inherited agricultural assets exceeding £1 million, which were previously exempt, will be subject to a 20% tax, half the standard rate.

While the government asserts that the policy will affect only the wealthiest 500 estates each year, both the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) estimate that as many as 70,000 farms could be impacted over a generation.

Family farms

Mr Bradshaw said: “Family farms have been at the heart of our rural communities for generations, producing high-quality food, supporting local communities, and maintaining the beautiful landscapes we all value.

“The proposed changes threaten not just individual farming families, but the future of the heritage and traditions of an entire way of life.”

He called for continued public support and political pressure to oppose the policy.

“We owe it to our farming families and to future generations to ensure these damaging proposals don’t undermine the future of food production.”

Prominent sites 

NFU county advisers will be working with NFU members to find the most visible and prominent sites on roadsides, farm gates and public-facing locations.

In January, NFU members and the public will be able to order more campaign materials via the NFU’s online shop.

The NFU is also encouraging supporters to share photos of their banners on social media using the hashtag #StopTheFamilyFarmTax.