This marks the largest demonstration against what farmers have been calling the "tractor tax" policy in the UK since it was first revealed, and it is comparable to protests that have erupted across Europe over the past several years, particularly in the Netherlands, Germany, and France. UK Met Police estimated around 10,000 people attended Tuesday's protest despite unfavorable weather conditions. It follows a protest outside a conference center where PM Keir Starmer was speaking last week in Wales, as per the New York Times.
The amendment included in the budget proposed by Rachel Reeves, the chancellor of the Exchequer, pertains to individuals who inherit agricultural assets valued at over one million pounds, which is approximately $1.3 million. They were previously exempt from inheritance tax; however, they will be required to pay it at a rate of 20 percent, which is half the standard rate, effective April 2026.
The Labour Party estimated that 73 percent of farms will remain unaffected, however, some families will have to sell their farms instead of transferring them to the next generation, critics of the policy said.
"I think the industry is feeling betrayed, feeling angry," Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union, told Sky News. "The human impact of this is simply not acceptable."
In the countryside, where the Conservative Party is usually strong, the Labour Party gained more support in the July general election cycle, resulting in more left-wing legislators representing rural districts. According to the New York Times, some demonstrators on Tuesday wore T-shirts that read "Kier Starmer, The Family Farmer Harmer."
Bradshaw condemned the tax change in a statement after the policy was announced, stating that the legislation "not only threatens family farms but will also make producing food more expensive."
