Farmers staged a major protest in central London on Wednesday, using hundreds of tractors to block city streets. This action marks the latest demonstration against a government decision to end inheritance tax exemptions for agricultural families.

Critics have dubbed the new measure the “tractor tax,” a move intended to increase funding for public services. However, farmers argue this policy will devastate family farms and negatively impact food production.

Tractors were parked near the Houses of Parliament, with farmers aiming to pressure the government into reversing the policy or facing further, more significant protests.

“It’s the final nail in our coffin,” farmer Gareth Wyn Jones told Sky News, speaking amidst the demonstration as protesters displayed signs reading “No Farmers, No Food, No Future”.

Farmers claim their livelihoods have been under pressure for years due to intense competition from British supermarkets, inexpensive foreign imports, and post-Brexit subsidy cuts.

While the passing down of farms was previously tax-free, the government announced in October that a tax would be levied from 2026, prompting widespread protests across the country.

A particularly large demonstration in mid-November saw 13,000 people gather in Westminster, including notable figures like Jeremy Clarkson, the television personality and farmer.

The government maintains its stance, stating there will be no reversal of the inheritance tax policy.

Environment minister Steve Reed stated the government is committed to supporting farmers through rural support programs. In a Wednesday statement, he emphasized the government’s focus on supporting farmers, rural economic growth, and boosting food production.

Under the new rules, a 20% tax will apply to the portion of a farm’s value exceeding £1 million from 2026. Existing personal allowances, combinable for married couples, raise the threshold to £3 million for a farm and associated property.