One of the Lincolnshire farmers behind a mass rally in London says they won’t give up the fight against government tax plans. Thousands of farmers have descended on the capital today (November 19) to protest changes to inheritance tax which many say would make it impossible to continue.
The government says only the richest would face an extra tax bill, but farming groups say almost every estate would be affected. Leadenham farmer Andrew Ward has helped to organise a rally which has been attended in large numbers, alongside an official National Farmers’ Union event.
“We’ve had a great turnout. We don’t know whether it’s 20,000 or 50,000 but it’s huge numbers like that,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. “It’s closed the whole of Whitehall, but we don’t know if the government will listen.
(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
“They probably think we’ll back down, but they don’t realise how resilient farmers are. We’re used to dealing with problems and complications. It’s difficult to say whether today will have changed anything. All we can do is try something.”
Under new plans announced in the Budget, agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be taxed at 20 per cent when they’re handed down. Farmers, who are often often asset-rich but cash-poor, say this will make it difficult to pass down to the next generation and ensure the UK’s food security.
(Image: DevonLive/LewisClarke)
Saxilby farmer Ian Willox, who joined an event at Lincolnshire County Hall earlier today, said he expects an £800,000 to £1m tax bill for his property. “Even spread over ten years, that’s £100,000 a year – we’re not making those profits,” he said.
Council leader and former farmer Martin Hill (Con) said: “If it carries on, most family farms may disappear and be replaced with corporate entities. We will lose all those farms which have knitted together the social fabric for generations. It’s a big part of Lincolnshire’s economy.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC he’s “confident the vast majority of farms will not be affected”. He said the government “had discussions yesterday with the farmers and will continue to do so because we must support them”.
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