UK Farmers Protest New Inheritance Tax Changes

The UK government's proposed changes to inheritance tax, set to take effect in 2026, have sparked widespread protests among farmers, with high-profile figures like Jeremy Clarkson joining the demonstrations. The changes will impose a 20% inheritance tax on farm estates worth more than £1 million, eliminating current exemptions that allow up to 100% relief on agricultural property. Critics, including the National Farmers' Union, argue that this 'family farm death tax' will devastate the farming industry, potentially forcing farms to sell land to meet tax obligations. Environment Secretary Steve Reed and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have defended the policy, asserting that the majority of farms will remain unaffected and emphasizing the need to address broader national issues like the NHS and cost of living. Despite these assurances, the opposition and farming groups remain skeptical, questioning the government's estimates of affected farms. The protests highlight a significant rural backlash against the Labour government's fiscal policies.