Farmers across the UK are set to return to London on Pancake Day protest the government’s planned changes to inheritance tax on agricultural land and businesses.
The demonstration, which will take place on Tuesday, will see attendees marching from Whitehall towards Parliament, with the rally scheduled to conclude at 3 PM. The protest follows a similar demonstration last month, during which farmers drove tractors into central London, causing significant traffic disruptions.
This time, police have restricted the number of tractors allowed in the area, warning that any farmers who violate the conditions could face arrest.
Pancake Day Protest in London
The upcoming protest is organized by a coalition of farmers and rural community leaders, who argue that the proposed inheritance tax changes will have a devastating impact on family farms. Under the new policy, Labour plans to impose a 20% inheritance tax rate on agricultural land and businesses valued at more than £1 million.
This marks a significant departure from the previous exemption, which allowed farmers to pass down their land without paying any tax. The protesters contend that these changes will force many farming families to sell off portions of their land to cover the tax burden, thereby stalling investment and disrupting agricultural production.
Farmer Olly Harrison, one of the leading voices behind the protest, has emphasized the importance of investment in agriculture, stating that even a simple product like a pancake requires a vast network of farmers and food producers to bring it to market.
By staging the demonstration on Pancake Day, the protesters aim to highlight how essential agriculture is to everyday life while also drawing attention to the financial challenges that farmers face. They hope to engage MPs in discussions about the policy’s potential consequences and push for a reconsideration of the tax changes before they come into effect in April 2026.
Political Debate Over the Inheritance Tax Policy
The proposed inheritance tax reform has sparked heated political debate, with opposition parties and farming advocates criticizing the policy as unfair and damaging to rural communities.
The Labour government has defended the tax changes as a “fair and balanced approach,” arguing that the reforms will ensure greater contributions from wealthier estates while still providing exemptions for smaller farms.
According to government officials, three-quarters of agricultural estates will continue to be exempt from inheritance tax, and the remaining estates will pay only half of what the general population pays. Additionally, the government has introduced provisions allowing payments to be made over ten years without interest.
Pancake-Day rally on 4 March, in Westminster, London.#SaveFamilyFarms pic.twitter.com/lN5zXHe6gl
— No Farmers, No Food (@NoFarmsNoFoods) February 23, 2025
Despite these assurances, many in the farming community remain deeply concerned about the impact of the changes. Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins has condemned the policy, calling it “vindictive” and warning that it will have severe consequences for family-run farms.
She has argued that the tax hike will discourage investment in the agricultural sector and place an enormous emotional and financial burden on farming families. According to Atkins, the policy could ultimately threaten domestic food security by reducing the number of viable farms and decreasing agricultural output.
The Liberal Democrats have also joined the opposition to the new tax, with environment spokesman Tim Farron stating that the government must reconsider its approach. Farron has emphasized the vital role that British farmers play in ensuring food security, promoting sustainability, and supporting the rural economy.
He has called for increased government support for the agricultural sector rather than policies that impose additional financial strain on farmers. Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have urged Labour to abandon the planned tax reforms before they take effect in 2026.
The Future of British Agriculture and Farmer Advocacy
The upcoming protest reflects growing frustration within the UK farming community over what many see as government policies that fail to support their industry. Farmers argue that the inheritance tax changes are just one example of broader issues affecting the agricultural sector, including rising costs, market instability, and regulatory challenges.
Many farmers believe that the government should focus on providing financial incentives and support programs rather than introducing tax policies that could drive family farms out of business.
The demonstration in London is expected to draw widespread attention, with farmers hoping to send a strong message to policymakers. While Labour maintains that the tax reforms are necessary for funding public services and creating a fairer tax system, many in the agricultural sector feel that the policy fails to account for the unique challenges faced by farmers.
Unlike other businesses, farms often require long-term investment, and sudden financial burdens can disrupt operations and lead to land sales.
As the debate over the inheritance tax changes continues, farmers and their advocates plan to keep up the pressure on the government. In addition to protests, farming organizations are working to raise public awareness about the issue and lobby MPs for policy revisions.
Whether or not the government will respond to these efforts remains to be seen, but the Pancake Day rally is a clear indication that the UK’s farming community is determined to make its voice heard.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏