Farage says 100 Labour MPs will be ‘getting scared’ and putting pressure on No 10 over protests by farmers

Nigel Farage Urges Farmers to Continue Peaceful Protests Against Inheritance Tax Changes

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has called on farmers to maintain their "persistent and peaceful" campaign against the Labour government’s plans to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on farms worth over £1 million. Speaking ahead of a large tractor protest outside the Houses of Parliament, Farage emphasized the importance of ongoing demonstrations to pressure the government into reconsidering its policies. He argued that Labour MPs in rural constituencies, particularly those representing farming communities, would grow increasingly concerned as local support for affected families continues to grow. Farage expressed confidence that if the campaigning remains persistent and peaceful, it could lead to a reversal of the proposed tax changes, which are currently set to come into effect in April 2026.

The tractor protest, organized by the Save British Farming campaign, drew significant attention as farmers and their machinery gathered in Westminster to voice their opposition to the tax reforms. The event coincided with a parliamentary debate on an e-petition that has garnered over 148,000 signatures, calling for the retention of inheritance tax exemptions for working farms. The reforms, announced in the recent budget, aim to scrap the existing exemption that allowed family farms to be passed down without incurring inheritance tax. This change has sparked widespread concern among farming communities, who fear it could lead to the breakup of family-owned farms and threaten the sustainability of rural livelihoods.

The Tractor Protest in Westminster: A Symbol of Rural Resistance

Monday’s tractor protest in Westminster was a striking display of rural defiance against the government’s tax plans. Dozens of farmers brought their tractors to the heart of London, creating a visible and audible presence outside the Houses of Parliament. The protest was accompanied by banners and signs highlighting the potential consequences of the inheritance tax changes, with many calling on the government to "save family farms." The event was peaceful but powerful, with participants drawing attention to the emotional and financial impact of the proposed reforms on farming families.

Nigel Farage, who addressed the crowd before the protest, praised the demonstrators for their "impeccable behavior" and urged them to continue their efforts. He stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful and lawful approach, emphasizing that such tactics would resonate more effectively with policymakers and the public. Farage also used the platform to advocate for the complete abolition of inheritance tax, describing it as a "death tax" that unfairly targets families who have already paid taxes on their assets during their lifetimes.

Labour Stands Firm on Tax Reforms Despite Growing Backlash

Despite the growing opposition, Labour has reiterated its commitment to pushing forward with the inheritance tax changes. The government has defended the reforms, arguing that they will only affect a small number of the largest farming estates. However, critics argue that the changes could have far-reaching implications for many family-run farms, which are often passed down through generations. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that the reforms could lead to the breakup of farms, as families may be forced to sell off land or assets to cover tax liabilities.

The NFU has expressed strong support for the protests, with President Tom Bradshaw stating that the organization backs any lawful and respectful demonstrations aimed at halting the proposed "family farm tax." Bradshaw noted that the strength of feeling among farmers and rural communities remains "incredibly high," reflecting the deep-seated concern about the future of family farming in the UK.

Farage Calls for Broader Tax Reform and Rural Unity

In addition to targeting the inheritance tax reforms, Nigel Farage used the event to call for broader changes to the tax system. He described inheritance tax as "horrible" and argued that it unfairly penalizes families who have already contributed to the economy through taxes on their earnings during their lifetimes. Farage also highlighted the broader impact of the tax changes, noting that they could affect not only rural families but also individuals living in urban areas, such as those in London who own semi-detached houses.

Farage’s speech was attended by a diverse group of supporters, including professional boxer Derek Chisora, who added a touch of celebrity presence to the event. The Reform UK leader emphasized the importance of unity within rural communities, urging farmers and their supporters to continue making their voices heard. He expressed optimism that the campaign could achieve its goals if it remained persistent, peaceful, and united.

The Wider Movement Against Inheritance Tax Changes

The tractor protest in Westminster is part of a broader movement opposing the inheritance tax reforms. Farmers and rural communities across the UK have been mobilizing in response to the proposed changes, with the NFU playing a key role in organizing and supporting these efforts. The organization has repeatedly called on the government to reconsider its plans, arguing that the reforms could have devastating consequences for family farms and rural economies.

The debate over inheritance tax has also sparked a wider conversation about tax fairness and the challenges faced by rural communities. While the government maintains that the reforms will only affect a small number of large estates, critics argue that the changes could have a ripple effect across the farming sector. The e-petition, which has attracted over 148,000 signatures, reflects the strength of public opinion on the issue and has prompted a parliamentary debate on the matter.

As the protests and petitions continue to gain momentum, the pressure on the government to rethink its inheritance tax plans is likely to intensify. Whether the campaign will succeed in forcing a U-turn remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the issue has struck a chord with rural communities and sparked a determined and passionate response. The coming months will be crucial in determining the outcome of this pivotal debate over the future of family farming in the UK.