Farmers protest in Aberdeen against inheritance tax changes

Farmers voice concerns over inheritance tax changes impacting agriculture

Today, the streets of Aberdeen city centre were filled with the sounds of protest as hundreds of farmers gathered to voice their opposition to proposed changes in inheritance tax by the UK’s Labour Government. The demonstration, marked by a significant presence of tractors, highlighted the farmers’ concerns over the potential financial burden these changes could impose on the agricultural sector.

Tractors take over the streets

The protest began at the Thainstone Agricultural Centre near Inverurie, where nearly 200 farmers assembled around 11 am. They then made their way down the A96, creating long tailbacks that affected traffic across the city, particularly on George and King Street.

The sight of tractors adorned with slogans such as “No Farmers, No Food, No Future” served as a powerful reminder of the farmers’ commitment to their cause.

Concerns over proposed tax reforms

The farmers are particularly alarmed by the UK Government’s plans to impose a 20 percent tax on inherited agricultural assets valued over £1 million. Currently, these assets benefit from 100 percent relief, allowing farmers to pass down their land and equipment without incurring significant tax liabilities. Patrick Sleigh, a farmer from near Oldmeldrum, articulated the sentiment of many when he described the proposed changes as an “ideological attack” not only on the farming community but also on the rural community as a whole.

The impact on the agricultural community

The implications of these tax reforms could be profound, potentially jeopardizing the future of family-run farms that have been passed down through generations. Farmers argue that such financial pressures could lead to a decline in agricultural productivity and threaten food security in the region. The protest in Aberdeen is just one of many actions being taken by farmers across the UK to raise awareness and push back against these proposed changes.

As the protest unfolded, local media captured the essence of the farmers’ struggle, with photographers like Scott Baxter documenting the event. The images of determined farmers and their tractors serve as a visual testament to the ongoing battle for the future of agriculture in the UK.