Farmers across the UK are making their voices heard this week in response to a new government policy that they believe will harm family farms. The protests focus on changes to inheritance tax, where farms worth over £1 million will now face a 20% tax when passed on. Farmers argue this puts their future at risk, as many might have to sell parts of their land to afford the tax. This has made many rural families feel abandoned by the government.
The protests started on November 17, with Welsh farmers leading the first-ever national strike for British farmers. Thousands of farmers are withholding items like meat and crops from supermarkets to show how important farming is to the country. However, dairy farmers decided not to join the strike because milk and eggs would spoil too quickly. On November 19, more than 10,000 farmers gathered in London to march and meet with MPs, showing how serious the issue is for them and the nation’s food security
The government has said that most farmers won't have to pay this new tax, arguing that the rules mainly target wealthier landowners. Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained that couples could pass on farms worth up to £3 million without paying inheritance tax. But many farmers disagree, pointing to rising costs and a loss of subsidies that are already making it hard to make a living. They believe the government isn’t listening to their struggles
This week’s protests are about more than just taxes. Farmers say "it’s about saving their way of life and ensuring the country has enough food in the future. They want the government to change its mind before farming becomes too expensive for regular families. With food prices already rising, these protests are also a reminder of how important farmers are to everyone."
By Oliver Hillier
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