Thousands of UK farmers will stage a national strike against new inheritance tax changes.
- Beginning this Sunday, the week-long strike aims to disrupt supermarket supplies of non-perishable goods.
- The changes mean a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued above £1 million, threatening traditional family farming.
- Farmers will march in London and stage protests at key political events, including a Welsh Labour conference.
- Organisers emphasize the goal is to garner public support and not devastate supermarket shelves.
Starting this Sunday, thousands of farmers across the UK will embark on a week-long strike. This protest marks a response to recently introduced inheritance tax changes by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which impose a 20% tax on estates valued over £1 million. Farmers fear these changes could force them to sell parts of their farms, jeopardising family operations that have lasted generations.
On 19th November, over 10,000 farmers are expected to unite in a London march to intensify their opposition. The Enough Is Enough protest group, representing these farmers, states their inability to continue supplying food under the current conditions. They plan to withhold non-perishable items, including meat and specific crops, from supermarkets, a move that may affect food supplies across the nation. UK farms provide about 80% of the country’s beef and 90% of its fresh poultry, with significant contributions to lamb, pork, and wheat. However, dairy farmers are exempt from this strike due to the perishable nature of milk and eggs, highlighting their strategic choice in demonstrating impact without total disruption.
Concerns are rife among farmers about the survival of family farms. As Welsh farmer Gareth Wyn Jones notes, participating in the strike is essential to safeguard his family’s 375-year-old farming legacy. Additionally, mental health support lines have seen an increase in calls from farmers since the policy’s announcement. Tragically, the family of John Charlesworth, a farmer from South Yorkshire, revealed his death just prior to the Budget announcement, underlining the pressure these taxes exert.
The strike coincides with a significant lobbying event organized by the National Farmers’ Union, with close to 2,000 farmers planning to present their case to Members of Parliament. Meanwhile, farmers intend to make their presence felt at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno. They are contemplating ancillary actions such as halting sewage slurry collection from water companies, suggesting a readiness to escalate if necessary.
The government maintains that these tax changes are designed to support the majority of farmers while addressing vital public service needs. However, many farmers argue that the policy disregards the future of UK farming, potentially encouraging more intense protests akin to those seen in France if unresolved.
This pivotal protest by UK farmers against inheritance tax changes signals deep unrest within the agricultural sector.
