
The Labour government’s recent farming policies have ignited widespread protests across the UK, particularly concerning changes to inheritance tax laws. Farmers argue that these reforms threaten the future of family farms, leading to significant unrest in the agricultural community.
In a recent parliamentary session, Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that the government’s farming roadmap had been “welcomed by farmers,” claiming that many had benefited from the new schemes. However, this statement starkly contrasts with the reality on the ground. Thousands of farmers have taken to the streets, driving tractors through central London and other cities, to protest against the so-called “tractor tax”—a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million, set to take effect in April 2026.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has been vocal in its opposition. NFU President Tom Bradshaw emphasized that the tax changes could have “disastrous human impacts” on farming communities, potentially leading to the breakup of family farms and jeopardizing the nation’s food security.
Despite the government’s claims of supporting farmers with a £5 billion budget allocation, the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme has further fueled discontent. Farmers feel “attacked from every angle,” facing both financial strain and policy changes that threaten their livelihoods.
The disconnect between the government’s statements and the farmers’ experiences has led to accusations of misinformation. Critics argue that the Prime Minister’s portrayal of the situation does not align with the evident dissatisfaction and protests from the farming community. As one protester noted, “We’re here today to show our disgust at what the Labour Government has recently brought in with the new laws of inheritance tax bill and how they are crucifying farmers.”
This growing tension underscores the urgent need for the government to engage directly with farmers, address their concerns transparently, and reconsider policies that may have unintended detrimental effects on the agricultural sector.