Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he would support farmers in the protest against the impending inheritance tax hike, claiming it was a “really dumb” move from the Labour Government.
Farmers across the country have hit out at the change, and a rally has been organised for next Tuesday in response to the controversial move which was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Speaking to GB News, Johnson said: “It’s a really, really dumb thing to do. You know, we are struggling.
“We are struggling to keep people on land and make sure that farmers are incentivised to hand over their business to their descendants.
Boris Johnson blasted the Labour policy as “really dumb”
GB News
“My own family were in the same position and I can tell you, it’s an absolute nightmare.”
“I haven’t been invited to this protest, I’m obviously not in favour of breaking the law.
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“If this protest involves squirting slurry language at Labour politicians, obviously I won’t support it.
“If I am around and I happen to see a tractor, I’m not excluding the possibility that I would strongly sympathise with the driver of that tractor.
“Because I think it’s mad. It’s absolutely mad. I don’t know why they’ve done it.”
The new tax policy, announced in Reeves’s Autumn Budget, will impose a 20 percent inheritance tax on farm estates valued over £1 million starting from April 2026.
Protests are expected next Tuesday
PA
Many have argued that the policy threatens the future of family-owned farms, placing unprecedented financial strain on agricultural communities.
The Chancellor has defended the move, claiming it closes a “loophole” used by the “wealthiest landowners”.
The Conservative Party and farming unions have urged Reeves to reconsider the policy, which affects farms worth £1 million or more.
Two major events are planned for the day of protest in Westminster on November 19.
The main rally will involve a march through Westminster, with more than 10,000 farmers expected to attend.
Boris Johnson said that he would support the protests
GB News
Separately, the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is organising a meeting for 1,800 registered attendees at Church House.
The NFU had initially urged farmers to avoid large-scale protests due to public safety concerns.
However, the union reversed its position after facing significant pushback from members who insisted on coming to the capital to voice their concerns to MPs.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are aware of both events and are working with organisers.
