Jeremy Clarkson is reportedly set to lead a protest of 20,000 strong farmers who will be taking action against Labour’s widely criticised “tractor tax”.
The Diddly Squat Farm owner will defy doctors’ orders to take it slow after a recent life-saving heart operation.
When the planned inheritance levy was first announced, Clarkson admitted it was “a hugely important issue” for everyone.
Rachel Reeves set out her budget plans and left farmers across the UK furious that the “tractor tax” would see a 20 per cent levy slapped on holdings valued above £1million.
Many have argued that whilst land, buildings, equipment, and animals may add up to such a figure, the only way extra cash could be found would be by selling up.
The protest is expected to see 20,000 people march and has been backed by an online petition – Overturn the Family Farm Tax – that has so far got 200,000 signatures.
Jeremy Clarkson owns his own farm in Oxfordshire
PA
The tax changes are due in April 2026, with the Treasury claiming they will affect just 27 percent of farms, but the National Farmers’ Union say around two in three will be hit.
Discussing the protest, the 64-year-old told The Sun: “I will be there, despite having letters from doctors telling me not to go on the march and saying I must avoid stress.
“We have got two coaches of farmers from around here who are leaving from Diddly Squat. It is a hugely important issue.”
Kaleb Cooper will also follow along as thousands of others will stand their ground over the inheritance tax plans – with the fears it could see many family farms having to be sold off.
Rachel Reeves set out the new budget which affects farmers across the country
PA
Last night newly elected Tory leader Kemi Badenoch vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the farmers today and said: “I’m proud to stand by the thousands of farmers protesting this cruel tax hike by Labour.
“The Labour government clearly doesn’t understand, or care about rural communities, and now families are having to sell their farms, with knowledge that has been handed down through generations lost forever.
Rachel Reeves. I literally daren’t comment.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) October 30, 2024
“I want to say this and that is FARMERS KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND REMEMBER WE ALL NEED TO STICK TOGETHER. Is it time?”
Location, Location, Location star Kirstie Allsopp also wrote on her X account: “Rachel Reeves has f****d all farmers, she has destroyed their ability to pass farms on to their children, and broken the future of all our great estates
“It is an appalling decision which shows the government has ZERO understanding of what matters to rural voters.” (sic)
