Farmers across the UK voice their concerns over new tax policies affecting agriculture.
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Farmers unite against tax changes in the UK: A call for action
In a powerful display of solidarity, farmers from the north and north-east of the UK braved harsh winter conditions to voice their concerns over proposed tax changes that threaten the future of family farms.
This mass lobby in London, attended by thousands, highlights the growing frustration within the agricultural community regarding the recent Autumn Budget announcements.
High-profile support for farmers
The protest garnered significant attention, with notable figures such as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson joining the ranks of farmers advocating for their rights.
Their presence underscores the urgency of the situation, as farmers across the UK rally together to demand immediate action from the government.
Local rallies and widespread participation
While many farmers made their way to London, those in Orkney organized a rally at the mart in Kirkwall, demonstrating that the sentiment against the proposed tax changes is widespread. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland, alongside its counterparts from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, united to express their discontent to Members of Parliament from all political parties.
The impact of proposed tax changes
The farmers’ message is clear: they want the UK Government to abandon its “deeply damaging” taxation plans. According to NFU Scotland, the financial and mental pressures these proposals impose on family farms are immense. With approximately 1,800 farmers participating in the mass lobby and thousands more joining the rally outside Parliament, the collective voice of the agricultural community is impossible to ignore.
NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy articulated the frustration felt by many, stating, “For a government to have stepped away from its claim that ‘food security is national security’ and targeted taxation changes at family farms in its first budget has left farming and crofting families deeply angry and frustrated.” The proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs threaten the very foundation of family farms, potentially forcing them to sell parts of their land to meet tax obligations.
Concerns over inheritance tax changes
Starting in April 2026, combined agricultural and business assets exceeding £1 million will be taxed at an effective rate of 20%. While the Treasury claims that only about one-quarter of UK farms will be affected, the NFU and other agricultural organizations believe the impact will be far-reaching, affecting many more farms than anticipated.
Kennedy emphasized the long-term implications of these changes, stating, “With the spectre of an unrealistic inheritance liability on death, there would be little incentive for a small farm or crofting business owner to take the long-term outlook and to invest in the future of the business.” This could lead to a contraction in available farmland, stifling the ambitions of the next generation of farmers.
A call for government action
The farmers gathered in London sent a clear message to the government: they demand an immediate reversal of the proposed tax changes and a commitment to meaningful consultation with the agricultural industry. The NFU Scotland has established a Budget information hub to keep farmers informed and engaged in the ongoing discussions surrounding these critical issues.
As the agricultural community faces mounting challenges from tightening margins, rising input costs, and extreme weather events, the proposed tax changes could be the final straw for many family farms. The time for action is now, and farmers across the UK are united in their fight for a sustainable future.
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