On November 19, 2024, thousands of farmers are protesting in central London against inheritance tax changes announced in the previous month's budget.

An estimated 40,000 attendees, including celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson, are gathering in Westminster to voice concerns over the proposed inheritance tax, often referred to as the 'tractor tax'.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union (NFU), expressed that farmers feel 'betrayed' and angry over the tax changes, which threaten their livelihoods.

The government defends the tax change as necessary for fiscal sustainability, citing a £22 billion fiscal gap, while claiming that the majority of farmers will not be adversely affected.

Contrary to government assertions, campaigners argue that around 70,000 farms could be impacted by the inheritance tax changes, jeopardizing family businesses and food security.

Government officials, including Agriculture Minister Daniel Zeichner, have attempted to reassure the public that fewer than 500 farms per year would likely face tax implications.

Some agricultural experts suggest implementing a system similar to France's, where tax relief is contingent on demonstrating active farming, to protect genuine farmers from taxation.

The NFU emphasizes the importance of the mass protest as a way to ensure MPs understand the potential political consequences of their decisions regarding agricultural taxation.

An online petition titled 'Overturn the Family Farm Tax' has garnered over 200,000 signatures in opposition to the tax.

Labour claims that three-quarters of estates will remain unaffected by the tax changes, although campaigners dispute this figure.

Since 1992, agricultural property relief (APR) has allowed family farms to be passed down tax-free, aimed at sustaining food security and supporting family-run operations.

Treasury analysis indicates that around 500 estates will be impacted, with the top 7% of claims comprising 40% of the relief fund's total value.