Farmers protest UK inheritance tax plans, demand changes

Farming leaders expressed intense frustration after a recent meeting with the Treasury, where the government refused to reconsider proposed changes to inheritance tax on farms. The new policy, set to take effect in April 2026, introduces a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural businesses valued over £1 million, ending longstanding exemptions that have shielded family farms. National Farmers' Union (NFU) President Tom Bradshaw criticized the government for its indifference to the human and intergenerational impact of these changes, which could force many farmers to sell their land. The NFU proposed a 'clawback' mechanism, allowing taxes to be charged only upon asset sales, but this suggestion was dismissed. Despite ongoing protests, the Labour government remains steadfast, asserting that their approach is the most generous possible. Agricultural leaders are increasingly concerned about the future viability of small and medium-sized farms under this tax regime, with many fearing for their livelihoods and the stability of rural communities.