Thousands of farmers from across the UK gathered in central London on Tuesday to protest against the government’s proposed inheritance tax reforms. Announced in the Autumn Budget on 30 October, the changes will impose a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million from April 2026. Farmers from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England demonstrated outside 10 Downing Street, expressing concerns over the impact on their livelihoods, food security, and the future of British farming.

The reforms primarily target Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), which have historically mitigated inheritance tax on farmland. The Treasury claims the changes will only affect around 500 of the wealthiest estates, but farmers and industry leaders dispute these figures. Data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) shows that 66% of farms are valued over £1 million, contradicting the Treasury’s assertion that most APR claims involve smaller farms. Farmers argue this discrepancy shows the government has underestimated the policy’s widespread impact.

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) President Tom Bradshaw described the policy as a “kick in the teeth” for British agriculture. Speaking to 1,800 NFU members in Westminster, he warned of forced land sales and the devastating effect on family farms. “The government cannot tell me this is a well-considered, well-thought-through policy,” he said. Bradshaw called for meaningful dialogue with ministers to devise a solution that protects family farms. He also pointed to Defra data suggesting that 75% of commercial farms could face significant challenges under the new tax regime.

With many protesters voicing their frustration with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, the NFU is calling on the government to revisit the reforms and hold urgent discussions with farming representatives. As MPs meet with constituents and lobbyists, pressure is mounting for a policy reversal or significant amendments to safeguard the future of British farming.