Tractors descend on London in farmer's protest with Jeremy Clarkson

TV presenter and farmer Jeremy Clarkson has joined farmers protesting changes in inheritance tax. The National Farmers' Union chief has urged protesters to remain "peaceful" and "passionate" as they descend on Whitehall today (November 19).

After "tough" discussions with the Environment Secretary, Tom Bradshaw confirmed that the protest would indeed happen. Thousands are poised to assemble for a mass lobby of MPs today to oppose the Government's plans, aiming to make an "indelible mark" on their cause.

In addition to those at Whitehall angry over last month’s Budget measures, which saw EU subsidies shifted towards eco-friendly farming initiatives and sped up the removal of these payments.

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Bradshaw, who met with Environment Secretary Steve Reed just this Monday, expressed disappointment despite some understanding being reached. The protests set for Tuesday, he asserts, are "definitely going ahead".

He discussed the missteps in the budget with PA news agency after the meeting, stating: "It was a valuable meeting. It was a great opportunity to really spell out in black and white why their evidence is wrong, why it has to come forwards in consultation, and what the extreme human pressure is that this policy has created."

Farmers continue to express deep concern as they feel ignored by the Treasury, "We have to have these conversations, but we’re really concerned that at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be any action. There doesn’t seem to be any understanding from the Treasury of what they’re doing."

He stated: "The whole focus was on this abhorrent policy that’s been put in place. We think it’s a very ill considered policy. I don’t believe that they intended the human consequences that there are within the policy they’ve put forwards."

"I don’t think they understand that family farms that are producing this country’s food are right in the eye of this storm."

Speaking to the PA news agency, the union chief expressed his hopes for Mr Reed to "go away now and work with the Chancellor to try and get some sort of resolution" as he believes the current policy is "completely irrational" and "not well thought-through".

"I genuinely feel there was a level of understanding, and, look, there were some really tough conversations," he conveyed.

Celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson – who admitted to the Times back in 2021 that dodging inheritance tax was a key consideration in his decision to buy land – are set to attend the protest.

When inquired about his message to farmers, Mr Bradshaw advised through the PA news agency: "Be peaceful. Be passionate. We want the very best of the countryside to come to London to make sure that nobody can be in any doubt what this policy means for you, your family, your future."

From outside Parliament, he further commented: "I know that everyone is coming here to make sure the farming industry is shown in the very best light, that our true traditions from the countryside are brought to the city.

"And I’m sure that we will leave an indelible mark, but that it will be peaceful, and everyone here will understand what this means to farming across the UK."

Organisers have expressed no worries about potential disturbances despite rumours of far-right protesters showing up. While children on toy tractors will lead a march to Parliament Square, those attending have been advised not to bring actual farm machinery.

This demonstration is the biggest expression of discontent so far regarding the inheritance tax reforms affecting farming businesses, which now cap the 100% relief for farms at just £1 million for combined agricultural and business property. Any amount over that will incur a 20% tax rate, in contrast to the usual 40% inheritance tax (IHT) rate for other land and property.

In anticipation of the protests, Mr Reed has defended the new measures as "fair and balanced", claiming they would impact only 500 estates annually and that small family farms would remain unaffected. In his piece for the Daily Telegraph, Mr Reed argued that exemptions for agricultural land had enabled affluent non-farmers to purchase land and dodge inheritance taxes, consequently inflating rural land prices and "robbing young farmers of the dream of owning their own farm".

He also stated: "It’s become the most effective way for the super-rich to avoid paying their inheritance tax – and it’s costing other taxpayers a whopping £200 million."

On his way to the G20 summit in Brazil, Sir Keir Starmer spoke to reporters, emphasising the importance of supporting farmers. He pointed out that £5 billion over two years has been allocated for farming in England and expressed his confidence that "the vast majority of farms and farmers will not be affected" by the tax changes.

Guy Shrubsole, a campaigner and author, has drawn attention to the unequal distribution of land ownership in England, with corporations owning 18 per cent of the land and oligarchs and bankers owning an additional 17 per cent. According to data from the Environment Department (Defra), just 2,500 of the largest farms own a quarter of England’s land, while 59% of farms are less than 50 hectares.

However, farmers have referred to other Defra data suggesting that 66% of farm businesses are worth more than the £1 million threshold at which inheritance tax will now need to be paid. Some fear that this move could devastate UK food production, putting family businesses in food processing, retailing, and farming at risk due to the changes.

Mr Bradshaw anticipates Tuesday’s events to be a "great demonstration of the very best traditions of the countryside", expecting people to be respectful yet passionate. Mr Harrison is not worried about potential trouble from far-right groups at the rally.

A spokesperson for the Met Police stated that the force is "well prepared" for Tuesday’s protest and has had positive discussions with its organisers.

"We will have officers deployed in the vicinity to ensure the event takes place safely, lawfully and in a way that prevents serious disruption."

The spokesperson added: "We are aware of speculation online that we have tried to ban tractors from the event."

"This isn’t true – we’ve policed protests involving tractors previously without any major issues and we have plans in place to do so again if required."