This protest marks the third demonstration organized by Save British Farming in four months, reflecting ongoing discontent among farmers regarding government policies.

The proposed changes will eliminate the current exemption allowing family farms to be passed down without incurring inheritance tax, raising concerns about the future of family farming.

The demonstration, organized by Save British Farming, coincided with an ongoing parliamentary debate regarding an e-petition that has garnered over 148,000 signatures advocating for the preservation of current inheritance tax exemptions for farms.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) claims that 66% of UK farms exceed £1 million in value, suggesting that more farmers will be impacted by the tax than the government acknowledges.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw expressed strong concerns that the tax changes favor wealthy landowners while harming actual farmers who produce food for the country.

Webster warned that the tax changes could lead to a humanitarian crisis, exacerbating mental health issues and increasing the risk of suicides among farmers, who already face high rates of distress.

Thousands of farmers rallied in Whitehall to protest proposed tax changes that would impose a 20% inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million, set to take effect in April 2026.

Business leaders, including Hugh Osmond and Luke Johnson, criticized the government's tax plan as damaging to agriculture and rural communities, calling it vindictive and counterproductive.

The protest has garnered support from farmers, business leaders, and politicians who warn of potential food price increases and the destruction of rural communities.

The government argues that the tax changes are necessary to address a £22 billion fiscal deficit and aims to make tax relief fairer, as 7% of estates claimed 40% of agricultural property relief.

The Treasury estimates that around 500 estates will pay inheritance tax due to these changes, while the NFU argues that the new combined tax allowance could impact more farms.

Nigel Farage urged farmers to maintain a persistent and peaceful campaign to influence rural Labour MPs and effect change regarding inheritance tax policies.