Prior to the upcoming general election, Labour MPs expressed their support for British agriculture.
Now, these same representatives have an opportunity to honor their promises, do what’s right, and support our UK farmers by voting against Starmer’s detrimental #FamilyFarmTax 👇https://t.co/rYLTvC0Yfp
— Robbie Moore MP (@_RobbieMoore) December 3, 2024
In central London, thousands of farmers congregated to voice their opposition to proposed tax regulations that could affect the passing of farm properties through generations. The protest, which featured tractors, bales of hay, and banners proclaiming “no farms, no food,” marked the first significant demonstration since the alterations were outlined in last month’s annual budget. The impending rules, scheduled to be implemented in April 2026, will impose a 20% tax on farms valued above $1.3 million when transferred to heirs, a stark decrease from the usual tax rate.
We are compelling Labour to vote on their Family Farms Tax.
This harsh measure threatens to devastate British agriculture. Labour MPs must do the right thing and support our farmers. https://t.co/6S8T34Dkqc pic.twitter.com/LC5IPKsNab
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) December 4, 2024
Historically, agricultural lands, farm structures, and residential properties could be inherited without incurring tax liabilities, which could total approximately $3.77 million tax-exempt. Advocates of the proposed changes claim that the tax will help recover funds from affluent landowners who have purchased farmland for investment, which has inflated the cost of agricultural land. They assert that the “vast majority” of farms will remain “unaffected” by these taxation adjustments.
Our petition has now gathered over 170,000 signatures.
Keir Starmer must reconsider his flawed Family Farm Tax.
Add your name to send a strong message to the government: https://t.co/dSwWxnSbQo pic.twitter.com/ixF6z7tc0o
— Conservatives (@Conservatives) December 2, 2024
Farmers protest against inheritance taxation
Nevertheless, the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) project that tens of thousands more will be impacted. The CLA President, Victoria Vyvyan, highlighted, “Government officials claim that the inheritance tax threshold only targets the wealthy, yet it may jeopardize 70,000 farms, both large and small.”
All will be reflecting on their prospects and whether they will have a legacy to pass down.
“Labour can address tax evasion without endangering family farms.” Great to see @CA_TimB elaborating in today’s @CityAM on what policymakers need to grasp about farming. https://t.co/Seuo4kshMQ
— Christian May (@ChristianJMay) December 2, 2024
The NFU referred to a study indicating that roughly 75% of commercial family farms would be liable for the tax. NFU President Tom Bradshaw remarked, “British farmers earn less than 1% profit. They lack the financial reserves to pay this proposed family farm tax.”
Despite the protests, the government seems determined to adhere to the revised regulations.
Environment Minister Steve Reed informed the press that the government is “making decisions that serve the interests of every region across the country.”
The protest was predominantly peaceful, with children maneuvering toy tractors around after a rally featuring various speakers. While some participants vowed to intensify the protests if the tax hike is not revoked, the government, which secured a significant majority in the general election last July, appears resolved to move forward with the changes.
