Thousands of farmers recently gathered in London to voice their opposition to new inheritance tax regulations that will impact agricultural assets beginning in 2026.
U.K. Farmers Rally Against Inheritance Tax Changes in London
U.K. Farmers Rally Against Inheritance Tax Changes in London
Farmers express discontent over proposed estate tax changes as thousands protest in the capital.
Thousands of farmers assembled in central London on Tuesday to express their outrage against inheritance tax changes introduced by the U.K. Labour government following its recent election victory in July. The protest, which became the largest demonstration against government policy since the Labour government took office, featured protesters wielding placards with slogans such as “No farmers no food” while a convoy of tractors drove past Parliament, showcasing the broader disenchantment felt in rural communities.
The planned changes, outlined in last month’s budget by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, affect individuals inheriting agricultural properties valued above £1 million (approximately $1.3 million). Previously exempt from inheritance tax, these inheritances will now be taxed at a reduced rate of 20% starting April 2026. Although the tax can be paid interest-free over ten years and many estates valued under £3 million may still be exempt due to various allowances, critics argue that the end of the exemption could prompt families to sell their farms rather than pass them down through generations.
The demonstration, dubbed the “tractor tax” protest, follows a similar event in Wales, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently spoke. While farmers in Britain are generally considered to be less disruptive in their protests compared to their European counterparts, Tuesday’s rally has drawn comparisons to a significant protest in 2002 against a bill to prohibit fox hunting with dogs under a previous Labour government.
The planned changes, outlined in last month’s budget by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, affect individuals inheriting agricultural properties valued above £1 million (approximately $1.3 million). Previously exempt from inheritance tax, these inheritances will now be taxed at a reduced rate of 20% starting April 2026. Although the tax can be paid interest-free over ten years and many estates valued under £3 million may still be exempt due to various allowances, critics argue that the end of the exemption could prompt families to sell their farms rather than pass them down through generations.
The demonstration, dubbed the “tractor tax” protest, follows a similar event in Wales, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently spoke. While farmers in Britain are generally considered to be less disruptive in their protests compared to their European counterparts, Tuesday’s rally has drawn comparisons to a significant protest in 2002 against a bill to prohibit fox hunting with dogs under a previous Labour government.
