Tractor convoy in protest of farming tax change

BBC A man with brown hair and facial hair is wearing a brown jacket and a yellow hi-is jacket. He is holding a sign that reads "fighting for your food. Defending your county". Next to him us a blue tractor on a frosty path, there is a sign on it that reads " abolish inheritance tax for all"BBC
Farmer Alan Hughes is taking part in the action in Shrewsbury

A convoy of more than 30 slow-moving tractors, organised by farmers, took place on the A5 in Shrewsbury.

The vehicles started at Halls Shrewsbury Livestock Auction Centre before driving repeatedly between the Dobbie's and Emstrey roundabouts in protest of changes to inheritance tax which were announced in the government's budget.

"It's the end really, farming is on its knees already," said Alan Hughes, a farmer near Leintwardine.

On Thursday Environment Secretary Steve Reed said he was "sorry" decisions had upset farmers but argued "stable finances are the foundation of the economic growth needed".

"I'm having to run two farm diversifications just to break even... any other industry would go mad if they were told you have to produce food at a loss and then run another business to pay yourself and feed your family," Mr Hughes said.

"We hope that there will be an abolishment of inheritance tax for all, not just farmers."

A long line of tractors are on a road. They are different colours, including red, blue and green. The sky is bright white white and cloudy above them.
More than 30 tractors are taking part in the convoy

A spokesperson said the government's commitment to farmers remained steadfast, and said it had committed £5bn to the farming budget over two years.

"Our reform to Agricultural and Business Property Relief will impact around 500 estates a year," they said.

"For these estates, inheritance tax will be at half the rate paid by others, with 10 years to pay the liability back interest free.

"This is a fair and balanced approach which fixes the public services we all rely on."

From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, will be liable to the tax at 20% - half the usual inheritance tax rate.

Many farmers argue that while they are asset rich - for example, in terms of their land and livestock - they are cash poor and the changes would mean they would have to sell up to be able to pay the tax.

Reed said he was apologising for having "to take decisions that are very difficult for the sector because of what we inherited".

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