Why are British farmers protesting in London?

Thousands of farmers with their tractors and other agricultural machinery descended upon Westminster for the third rally in four months to protest against the planned changes to inheritance tax. 

In the protest, organized by Save British Farming (SBF), scores of farmers rolled their tractors right through the heart of London, chanting “Change Your Tune Starmer.” Previous rallies have also brought a crazy number of tractors and a whole sea of folks to the city center.

SBF’s creator Liz Webster has slammed Chancellor Rachel Reeves for steering the UK into a so-called “food crisis.” She’s doing this by pushing on with the new tax rules. Despite mounting opposition, the Labour government has insisted it will not reverse its decision to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued above £1 million.

The changes, set to take effect in April 2026, will abolish an exemption that previously allowed family farms to be passed down without incurring inheritance tax.

At a north London Farmers to Action rally before the Westminster demonstration, Nigel Farage backed the campaign saying, “I’m pleased to see the campaign gaining momentum across the country.” The leader of Reform UK made a clear stand against the tax alterations to the crowd shouting, “No to death taxes—full stop. End death taxes. They are unfair. They hit ethics on every floor.”

What Are the Proposed Inheritance Tax Changes?

In the fall spending plan, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, revealed changes to inheritance tax relief. Starting April 2026, relief for business and agricultural assets will be capped at £1 million. Assets exceeding this threshold will be subject to a reduced 20% inheritance tax rate—half the standard 40% rate. To ease the financial burden, the tax will be payable in interest-free instalments over 10 years.