Farmers unite in nationwide day of protest against IHT
© Ben Spear Farmers across England and Wales mounted co-ordinated demonstrations on Monday 24 November in a nationwide “Day of Unity”, protesting against proposed inheritance tax (IHT) reforms with dawn convoys, bridge-line tractor displays and rolling go-slows.
Staged ahead of Labour’s Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26 November, the actions began early in Lincoln, where farmers started circling roundabouts from 4am and maintained a presence throughout the morning.
See also: Tractors flood Newcastle in farmer protest against IHT
In Cornwall and Devon, tractors parked on bridges along key A-roads and motorways.
Richard White, a beef and sheep farmer from Devon, attended the protests and said: “South West farmers are out today, covering bridges in a show of unity.
“We will be lighting up the bridges this evening to show the government that we are not happy with their policies on IHT, farming support and food security.
“Farmers will go out of business if things don’t change, and the family farm will die. We are not giving up.”
Grassroots coalition
The action was organised by a coalition of grassroots groups including All Farmers, Farmers For Fairness, Farmers To Action (now disbanded), Midland Farmers, East Anglian Farmers Unite, Kent Farmers, West Country Farmers, Berkshire Farming, Scottish Farmers and the Welsh lobby group Digon Yw Digon (Enough is Enough).
Routes were chosen to avoid peak traffic periods while keeping the demonstrations highly visible.
At Southampton docks, between 30 and 40 tractors formed a rolling procession.
© Kathleen Renner
Kurt Morton, who was at the protest, said: “I farm in Andover, a mixed farm – beef and arable. We have farmers from all over the south of England today to come together and demonstrate.
“I am still in dismay at the government and the lack of understanding and not wanting to listen to us… It’s not a family farm tax; it’s a death tax and a business tax. It will hit everybody, not just farmers.”
Large turnout
Suffolk saw a large turnout, with a 99-tractor convoy travelling the A14.
In East Anglia, 20-year-old farmhand Spencer Campbell played a key role in co-ordinating the day’s events.
“I have helped with the organising and media side, but also driving a tractor during the day,” he said.
Spencer Campbell ready for the day of protest © Spencer Campbell
“This evening we are going to park on bridges across the A14 and A12. We will be having our lights on, and it will show that farming is still here even through the darkest days, physically and mentally.”
Mr Campbell added: “I have never seen so much public support. It’s really emotional out here today seeing the community come out for us.”