IHT announcements spark talks of new London farmer rallies

Farming campaigners have suggested there could be fresh protests in London this autumn over the government’s controversial inheritance tax (IHT) reforms, calling for a rethink of the policy before further damage is done.

From April 2026, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government plans to impose a 20% tax on inherited farm assets worth more than £1m – a bar many suggest is too low – meaning many family farms may face significant new tax bills when assets are passed on.

Merseyside farmer Olly Harrison, one of a group of farmers who helped organise IHT protests over the winter, told Farmers Weekly: “The organisers of the first London protest have agreed a provisional date with the Met Police for further protest action, should it be needed.

See also: UK Treasury dismisses threat to food security from IHT plans

“Other groups have also been planning events across the country.

“If nothing else, it gives people an opportunity to come together and feel heard.”

Mr Harrison said discussions have been ongoing for some time about a fresh protest in London.

“This is not something farmers want to do, but feel it is necessary after this week’s news.”

The government released legislation on Monday, setting out their IHT plans.

These have not changed despite months of lobbying from farming organisations.

Tax expert’s award

In addition, the decision to award an “Expert of the Year” gong to a senior HMRC official – who helped shape these reforms – had further infuriated farmers.

“They’ve given someone an award for a policy that divides the nation and will cost the economy £1.7bn rather than generating £500m in annual income,” said Mr Harrison.

Martin Williams, a farmer from Herefordshire, who has worked with Mr Harrison on lobbying for change, said: “Tax experts have reported that the main revenue will come from those who are unable to make changes from their tax planning.

“It is therefore imperative that these people are given options, and due to a lack of consultation, they had no warning of the developing problem and find themselves trapped.”

Save British Farming founder Liz Webster, who helped organise separate large-scale farmer protests in London, called for renewed action in Whitehall this autumn.

Ms Webster believes farmers should escalate from demonstrations to a round‑the‑clock vigil.

“It needs to go beyond an organised protest – it needs to be a vigil. Turn up and stay longer,” she said.

She also linked the inheritance tax shift to pending US trade negotiations, warning that loosening food import rules could invite products made to lower standards.

“If we scrap the US trade deal, I’m convinced the government would make a U-turn on the family farm tax,” she added.

‘Disaster for agriculture’

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, external affairs director at the Countryside Alliance, said: “As experts warn, the family farm tax will be a disaster for agriculture and the countryside and few have been bold enough to openly defend the policy publicly, let alone celebrate it.

“There is a deep and growing divide between rural communities and Westminster, largely due to the architects of policy that seek to do things to the countryside, rather than for it.”

HMRC has defended the award, stating that civil servants are tasked with developing and implementing government policy effectively, and that it merely reflects professional analytical work.