In a picturesque rural setting, one might imagine a scene reminiscent of the nature documentary series “Springwatch,” showcasing tranquil farmland, grazing livestock, and nature’s beauty. Yet, just under 200 miles away in London, a different narrative unfolds, one that is fraught with tension and discontent among the farming community. Thousands of farmers, including prominent faces like TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, have taken to the streets to voice their opposition to the government’s recent changes to inheritance tax rules, which they believe threaten the very existence of family farms across the UK.
The atmosphere in Whitehall was charged as approximately 13,000 farmers gathered to protest, a massive outcry against what many consider a “hammer blow” to their livelihoods. Clarkson, a vocal advocate for the farming community, remarked that this moment could spell the end for many farmers, urging the government to reconsider its stance. The protests are not isolated to London; similar demonstrations have been seen in Wales, where hundreds gathered outside the Welsh Labour Conference in Conwy, and earlier this year, around 3,000 demonstrators assembled outside the Welsh Parliament, marking it as one of the largest demonstrations in history focused on farming issues.
The roots of the discontent stem from recent announcements made by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who proposed significant reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) as part of the inheritance tax system. From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets valued over £1 million, which were previously exempt, will now incur a tax at 20 percent—half the standard inheritance tax rate. This shift has sparked fears among farmers that they will be unfairly burdened, particularly as family-run farms often operate on thin margins.
Among those deeply affected by these impending changes is Alison Wilshaw, a 27-year-old whose family has run Bates Farm for generations, nestled just outside Culcheth, straddling the border of Cheshire and Lancashire. Following the sudden death of her father last autumn, Alison and her sister Fiona, aged 26, inherited the family mixed farm, which focuses on beef, sheep, and arable crops. Alison, who also assists with an ice cream parlour in Over Hulton, articulates the complexities and emotional upheaval that accompany farming, especially as the next generation prepares to inherit significant responsibilities amid these looming financial burdens.
“The farming business is distinct, particularly when it comes to family farms; there’s a heavy emphasis on our livelihood,” Alison explains. “To produce food, you require land, machinery, fertilizers, and, of course, wages have surged. All of this squeezes the bottom line. Farmers typically work on a return of only one percent on capital, which is challenging for the public to grasp.”
The new inheritance tax rules add an additional layer of stress, forcing families to engage in tough conversations about their legacy. “Families are now left questioning whether they may become a burden to the farm. The next generation will have to grapple with this tax bill, and without economies of scale, many farms will struggle to grow. If these rules had been in effect while our dad was alive, it would have been horrifying for us. Farmers have a tough mindset and a strong sense of purpose, but that doesn’t prepare you for the sudden loss of a parent. My sister had to quickly take on the responsibilities without a proper handover, and we believe that it’s not just a select few farmers who will face the consequences.”
The possibility of being forced to sell portions of the farm in order to pay the tax is a prevalent concern. Many fear this will lead to larger corporations buying up the land, potentially jeopardizing the future of family farming. Such corporations may lack connection to the land and the environmental stewardship associated with family-operated farms: “The majority of farmers don’t draw a wage; it’s a lifestyle choice. We understand that inheriting this business is a privilege, and we would genuinely welcome more diversity in new entrants to farming. However, the inheritance tax creates obstacles that hinder aspiring inheritors from entering the industry due to the substantial capital required.”
Alison passionately highlights the stark realities of the food pricing process, where farmers receive only a minute fraction of the final prices seen in stores. “When you consider the economics of food, farmers see very little, despite the considerable investment required. The public is often unaware of these dynamics, and it feels as though the government has failed to engage with critical stakeholder farmers before making such significant decisions.”
Similarly, Margret Lees, a 53-year-old farmer whose family has been running a dairy and beef farm in Ramsbottom since 1956, shares her apprehensions about the future. The tax implications loom over her four children, and Margret is deeply concerned about the financial burden they may face. Her 17-year-old daughter, currently studying agriculture at Reaseheath College, was part of the demonstrators in London, making her voice heard amid a crowd that swelled to tens of thousands.
“We’re facing a future where our children will be saddled with this tax bill, and I’m not convinced that the government has comprehended the implications of these changes,” Margret expresses. She furthers her argument by discussing the substantial costs associated with running a small business: “For our farm, which employs around 25 people, the potential tax liability could reach up to £40,000 a year, not including National Insurance contributions. As a small business, where are we supposed to find this money?”
Margret does not shy away from highlighting the absurdity of food pricing, noting that “a pint of milk now costs more than water. What sort of justice is that?” Her belief that there is a lack of societal appreciation for the value of food shines through her words: “Until we face a generation that knows hunger, there will be no true understanding of the importance of food.”
Despite the overwhelming turnout at the protests, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, maintains a contrary perspective regarding the effects of the inheritance tax changes. At a recent press conference during the G20 summit in Brazil, he claimed confidence that the “vast majority” of farmers would remain unaffected by the proposed changes. “The majority of parents looking to pass on farmland will not encounter issues, as only farms exceeding a value of £3 million will fall under these changes,” he asserted, referencing the claim that affected farms would incur only half the usual inheritance tax rate.
Yet, such statements have been met with skepticism by industry stakeholders. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) estimates that approximately 70,000 farms—those exceeding 50 hectares and valued over £1 million—could be impacted by the changes, representing around a third of UK farms. CLA president Victoria Vyvyan vehemently criticized the government, stating, “Protesters have every right to be outraged, as the Government has misrepresented the effects of these changes on their livelihoods. Claims that the inheritance tax only targets the wealthy are misleading.”
With frustration echoing through the farming community, Vyvyan adds, “Farmers shouldn’t need to march to London; ministers should be heading to rural areas to better understand the consequences of their decisions.” She urges the government to rectify the situation before further eroding confidence in the rural economy.
In light of the mounting dissent, members of the National Farmers Union (NFU), farmers from across the UK, and supportive members of the public have mobilized to advocate for the reversal of the recent APR (Agricultural Property Relief) changes. So far, over 244,681 individuals have signed the NFU petition, significantly surpassing the initial target of 25,000 signatures. As public support swells, many farmers point to government data indicating that approximately 75 percent of farmers will pay no inheritance tax under the new rules. However, this assertion is met with backlash, as farmers cite statistics from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that suggest 66 percent of farm businesses exceed the £1 million threshold, thus triggering tax liabilities.
The debate surrounding inheritance tax and its implications for the farming community is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon. Farmers like Fiona, Alison, and Margret remain steadfast in their determination to use their platforms to educate the wider public about the challenges they face—a reality that is often shadowed by limited public understanding. “We’re striving to utilize our voices to raise awareness,” Alison emphasizes, “It’s crucial for those who aren’t farmers to grasp these challenges, and our mission is to affect real change for the better.”
As the future of family farming hangs in the balance, it is clear that the coming months will be critical in defining the landscape of agriculture in the UK. The emotional stakes are high, intertwined with legacy, identity, and the fundamental fabric of rural communities. The unfolding discussions surrounding these inheritance tax changes will not only shape the financial well-being of countless families but also determine the extent to which the values of stewardship, sustainability, and community will continue to thrive in the face of mounting challenges.