Jeremy Clarkson issues farmers’ strike verdict as he joins Westminster protest - live

Farmers in tractors make their way through Westminster in preparation for protests.

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Jeremy Clarkson has called on the Labour government to reconsider its plans, expressing concerns that the suggested increases in inheritance tax could spell disaster for farmers.

He participated in a massive protest with farmers in London on Tuesday, calling on the government to reconsider its plans, which have been labeled a "betrayal."

The proposal to implement inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million, initially presented in Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget, has ignited anger among rural communities. They dispute the government's claim that small family farms will not be affected by these changes.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has arranged an event where 1,800 of its members will gather with local MPs in Westminster to express their frustration on Tuesday. Meanwhile, thousands more are anticipated to hold a protest in Whitehall.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw stated that around 75 percent of commercial farming operations are facing the brunt of this policy, which he believes will severely impact the core of family farms.

The government claims that tax breaks have allowed affluent individuals who don't farm to take over agricultural land, making it difficult for real young farmers to compete. They also highlight a £5 billion allocation in the budget to support farmers in food production.

Photos: Thousands Rally In Westminster Protest

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 12:00 PM.

Boris Johnson Calls Tax 'Spiteful And Punitive'

Boris Johnson is one of several public figures who have spoken out against the family farm tax, criticizing it as a "crazy" policy.

In a message on X, the former prime minister stated: "Wishing all the best to those demonstrating today against Labour's outrageous tax on family farms."

Farmers dedicate countless hours throughout the year to provide food for our nation. We need to do more to support British agriculture and help our farmers continue their vital work.

"Instead, Reeves is hurting British farming with a harsh and unfair tax that could have serious negative consequences for the economy. It's time to put a stop to this."

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 11:55 AM.

Farmers Face Tight Margins And Cash Shortages, Minister Says

Greg Smith, the shadow trade minister, has expressed that the government "fails to grasp" the fact that farmers work with "extremely narrow profit margins."

"They don't have a large sum of money just lying around to cover an unexpected tax invoice," he explained. "The only way for them to settle that bill is by selling off some land."

He mentioned that farms have a lot of valuable assets, but they're often struggling with cash flow. He expressed concern that these changes could make some farms completely unviable as businesses.

When asked if farming has gotten more difficult due to the regulations introduced by the Tories, he replied, "Things have definitely shifted. We've moved away from the Common Agricultural Policy to a new system that's being gradually implemented, and adapting to change is really challenging."

"Indeed, there have been several new environmental laws and programs introduced to help achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, a target that the previous government officially established."

“What we need to focus on moving forward—something I’ve consistently emphasized—is striking a balance that keeps food production as a top priority.”

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, 11:50 AM

Reform UK Leader Addresses Farmers In Photos

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 11:48 AM.

Farmers Warn Of Growing Nationwide Protests

Ollie Atkinson, a farmer from Hampshire, has cautioned that additional regional measures will be implemented after today’s demonstration if the government does not change its stance.

Christopher Moar, a friend of Mr. Atkinson who went to London to support the protest, expressed that the people in the countryside "feel deceived" by Rachel Reeves.

Mr. Atkinson shared with The Independent that there is significant backing for farmers nationwide and anticipates that more protests will occur beyond London.

The farmer expressed worries within the farming community that NFU leader Tom Bradshaw may not take the necessary steps to pressure the government. They believe he should adopt a firmer stance during discussions with government officials.

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Nigel Farage Joins Protest: Photos Surface

Nigel Farage has joined farmers in central London who are demonstrating against the recent changes to inheritance tax (IHT) regulations set out in the latest budget. These changes impose new taxes on farms valued over £1 million.

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 11:40 AM.

Met Police: 10,000 Protesters Gather In Westminster

In a message on the social media platform X, the Metropolitan Police stated, "The event is currently taking place in Whitehall, and everything is going smoothly."

Both lanes are shut down south of Horse Guards. Detours have been set up, and drivers are encouraged to take alternative paths.

Determining an exact number of attendees at these events is often challenging, but we believe there are currently over 10,000 individuals gathered in Whitehall, and more are continuing to arrive.

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 11:36 AM

Farmer Targets Rachel Reeves With Cardboard Sign

A farmer from Essex has attempted to create a slogan featuring Rachel Reeves.

He mentions that the sign showing the Chancellor as the grim reaper was meant to be displayed on the front of his tractor, but he wasn't permitted to drive it in.

"Trying to watch it on TV was a complete hassle."

Barney Davis, November 19, 2024, at 11:34 AM.

Jeremy Clarkson Supports Farmers’ Tractor Tax Protest

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 11:27 AM

TV Host: Rachel Reeves Attacks Farmers With 'Blunderbuss'

TV host and journalist Jeremy Clarkson criticized Rachel Reeves, claiming she has taken a broad approach that negatively impacts farmers. He made these comments as he arrived in London to demonstrate against proposed changes to agricultural inheritance tax.

On Tuesday morning, as he approached the protest in Westminster, he made a lighthearted comment about being in London for some "holiday shopping." Then he added, "I'm here to back the farmers. It's really straightforward, they need as much support as they can get, including mine."

When questioned about his remark in a 2021 Times interview, where he stated that steering clear of inheritance tax was "the most important factor" in his choice to purchase land, he replied: "It's kind of amusing because the true reason I acquired the farm was my desire to hunt. I figured that if I told people I bought the farm just to shoot pheasants, it might not reflect well on me."

"I realized I needed to find a different reason for my purchase, so I mentioned inheritance tax. The truth is, I wasn't even aware of inheritance tax until after I made the purchase. That didn't bother me, though, because the main reason I bought it was that I had a strong desire to shoot."

He expressed his disagreement with the tax reforms, stating, "If her intention was to target individuals like James Dyson and investment bankers, she would have taken a precise approach, but instead, she’s gone in with a broad sweep and affected everyone."

"From what I've gathered, it seems like it was a hasty decision made at the last minute. We all make mistakes, and I believe it's time for them to acknowledge that they've made an error and reconsider their position."

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 11:24 AM