Farmers across the UK are preparing to stage a coordinated ‘Day of Unity’ protest on Monday, November 24, opposing the government’s proposed inheritance tax (IHT) reforms which they warn could devastate family-run farms.
The nationwide demonstrations will see tractor go-slow convoys between 10am and 4pm across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with organisers emphasising that the protests will be peaceful and carefully timed to avoid peak travel hours.
The movement is being led by a coalition of grassroots organisations including All Farmers, Farmers For Fairness, Farmers To Action, Midland Farmers, East Anglian Farmers Unite, Welsh lobby group Digon Yw Digon (Enough is Enough), Kent Farmers, West Country Farmers, Berkshire Farming, and Scottish Farmers.
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The Day of Unity follows the well-publicised ‘Trailer of Truth’ campaign, which toured rural communities earlier this autumn, culminating in a protest outside the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
“We want the protests to be peaceful and to resemble tractor charity runs,” said a spokesman. “We want to raise awareness of the devastating impact the family farm tax will have on farm businesses and the wider rural economy.”
Organisers are now calling on local leads to share details of meeting points, routes and nearby landmarks to help coordinate regional demonstrations.
Treasury minister James Murray recently reaffirmed the government’s stance during an appearance on GB News last week, confirming that a 20% levy will apply to inherited agricultural assets worth £1 million or more from next April.
Asked whether the government planned to raise the inheritance tax threshold to £5 million, Mr Murray said: “That policy was settled. We announced that at the Budget last year.
“We think the approach that we took was a fair and proportionate approach where it still allowed owners of assets to have £1m without being subject to inheritance tax and at a 50% relief above that level.
“That was a fair way forward. We’re focused on the next budget and not reopening discussions of the past one.”
In response, organisers of the Day of Unity protest voiced strong dissatisfaction.
“Farmers have not gone away, this is just the start,” a spokesman said.
The demonstrations are timed to coincide with the build-up to the Autumn Budget on November 26, as campaigners seek to pressure ministers into reconsidering the reforms.
