Farmers Prepare for Week-Long Strike Over Inheritance Tax Changes

Starting Sunday, thousands of farmers across the UK are set to participate in a week-long strike to protest recent tax changes introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The protest, which will culminate in a march in London on November 19, is expected to draw over 10,000 farmers rallying against a controversial 20% inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million.

The new policy targets farms that were previously exempt from inheritance tax, a move that has sparked concerns among farmers about the future of family-run farms. Critics argue that the tax could force many farmers to sell parts of their land, threatening the survival of traditional farming operations. The Enough Is Enough protest group, representing the striking farmers, warned of severe consequences for the industry. “British farmers have simply had enough. We cannot afford to provide food to the public under these conditions,” a spokesperson said.

As part of the strike, farmers plan to withhold non-perishable goods like meat and certain crops from supermarkets, potentially disrupting food supplies. UK farms are responsible for producing approximately 80% of the nation’s beef, 90% of its fresh poultry, and significant amounts of lamb, pork, and wheat. Dairy farmers are exempt from the strike due to the perishable nature of milk and eggs.

Tim Taylor, one of the strike organizers and an animal feed business owner, stated that the aim of the protest is to “disrupt but not decimate supermarket shelves,” hoping to garner public support without causing widespread shortages.

The tax changes have raised alarm among many farmers, with some fearing that they may be the last generation to run family farms. Gareth Wyn Jones, a Welsh farmer, expressed his decision to join the strike to protect his family’s 375-year-old farming legacy. The policy has also prompted a sharp increase in calls to mental health support services, with some farmers feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of the new tax rules. Tragically, the family of 78-year-old South Yorkshire farmer John Charlesworth revealed that he took his own life shortly before the announcement of the budget, believing it would prevent his children from facing inheritance taxes.

The strike coincides with a major lobbying event organized by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), where nearly 2,000 farmers are expected to meet with MPs to voice their concerns. Additionally, protests are planned at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, and farmers may halt sewage slurry collection from water companies as an added measure.

While the government defends the inheritance tax changes as necessary to protect family farms and fund public services, many farmers argue that the policy threatens the future of UK agriculture. Some protestors have warned that the UK could see protests similar to those in France if their demands are not addressed.