From the BBC – Thousands of people have protested in London over changes to inheritance tax for farmers announced in the Budget. Among those marching in Whitehall was TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, who said “it’s the end” for farmers, as he called for the government to change its mind. The prime minister said he understood farmers’ concerns and “wants to support” them but added “the vast majority” would be unaffected. From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, will be liable to the tax at 20% – half the usual inheritance tax rate. Other allowances could mean a couple who are married or in a civil partnership could pass on a farm worth as much as £3m.

However, many farmers argue that while they are asset rich – for example in terms of their land and livestock – they are cash poor, and the changes would mean they would have to sell up to be able to pay the tax. Ahead of the protest, around 1,800 National Farmers’ Union (NFU) members met near Parliament as part of a mass lobby of MPs.

The group’s president, Tom Bradshaw, gave an impassioned speech describing the tax changes as destructive, a “stab in the back” for farmers, wrong and unacceptable.

He told protesters the changes were the “straw that broke the camel’s back”.

Later, speaking to Sky News, he said Labour had “destroyed” a “contract” between farming and the government dating back to World War Two.

“We’d love to pay more tax,” Mr Bradshaw added. “If we get proper margins from food production, and we end up swelling the Treasury coffers, bring it on. But at the moment the supply chain doesn’t give us those returns that enables us to save the money to pay the inheritance tax that this government now wants to take.”

Click images below to hear the main speeches:

Olly Harrison. One the Farming March organisation team prior to the speeches:

Some 14,000 Supporters Prior to the Speeches:

Farming YouTuber Charlotte Ashley:

Beverly Turner of GB News getting the farming view from Westminster:

Olly Harrison and Founders of the March Start the Speeches:

Main Commencement of Speeches Hosted by Emily Sheffield of the Evening Standard:

Ed Davey – Leader of the Liberal Democrats speaks to 14,000 Farming Supporters:

Kemi Badenoch – Leader of the Conservative Party at the Farmers March:

Jeremy Clarkson at the Farmers March at Westminster in Central London in front of 14,000 farming supporters:

Tom Bradshaw – President of the NFU at the Farmers March:

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19th November 2023, Whitehall, London.

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