Farmers Protest UK Inheritance Tax Changes

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that from April 2026, farms valued over £1 million will be subject to a 20% inheritance tax, prompting widespread protests from farmers across the UK, particularly in Herefordshire and Cumbria. Farmers, represented by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), argue that this policy will devastate the agricultural sector, claiming it contradicts previous government assurances of maintaining relief on such properties. Environment Secretary Steve Reed defended the decision, attributing it to a £22 billion deficit left by the previous Conservative government, while asserting that only around 500 estates would be impacted annually. Protesters, including notable figures like Jeremy Clarkson, voiced their discontent, labeling the changes a betrayal and warning of severe financial repercussions for many farms. Critics contend that the government’s figures on affected estates are misleading and call for a reevaluation of the policy. Farmers worry that the timing of the tax change leaves little room for financial planning, particularly for older generations nearing retirement.