Police probe tractor ram video after Clarkson joins inheritance tax protest - live

Jeremy Clarkson takes part in farmers' protest against tractor tax in Westminster.

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The Metropolitan Police announced that they will be reporting tractor drivers who broke through barriers during the farmers' protest in Westminster.

Scotland Yard stated that they had been in communication with the individuals operating the vehicles, but emphasized that going through a no entry sign is “unacceptable.”

As he took the stage, Jeremy Clarkson called on Rachel Reeves to acknowledge that her plans to increase inheritance taxes for farmers were a “blunder.” He referred to these proposed changes as a serious setback for the farming community.

Addressing the demonstrators from the stage in Whitehall, the television host stated: “For everyone present and all the farmers who are at home feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the situation forced upon them, I urge the government to recognize that this was hastily implemented, poorly considered, and was a misstep.”

Initially introduced during Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Budget announcement, the proposal to apply inheritance tax on farms valued over £1 million has ignited outrage among rural communities. Many have disputed the government's claim that the changes won't affect small family-run farms.

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, stated that around 75 percent of commercial farming operations are facing significant challenges due to a policy that threatens the very foundation of family farms.

"Farming Crisis: Seeking A Second Job"

I started farming because it's something I'm passionate about. However, it's become increasingly difficult to earn a decent income, so I'm considering taking on a second job.

Chris Callow began farming at the young age of 17, right after finishing school. Now, at 37, he and his wife, Jaz, run a small farm where they raise cattle and sheep close to Axbridge in Somerset.

The couple dreams of growing their business and handing it down to their six kids, but things aren't going as they had hoped.

Farmers are informing Alex Ross that Rachel Reeves’ proposed ‘tractor tax’ in the Budget is yet another setback for a family-run industry that is fighting to stay afloat.

Sure! Here’s a rephrased version of the section: Holly Evans on November 19, 2024, at 3:47 PM.

Jeremy Clarkson Joins Farmers' Tractor Tax Protest

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, 3:30 PM.

NFU Chief Suggests Farmers May Intensify Actions

When asked about what comes next after the events scheduled for Tuesday, which drew around 20,000 people to Westminster to pressure the government to reconsider the levy, Tom Bradshaw remarked, “I believe you’ve all seen the news coverage reflecting the opinions of farmers across the UK on the next steps they feel should be taken.”

Farmers have warned the government that they may take strong measures in response to the policy, claiming it will lead to food shortages and threaten the survival of family-owned farms.

Check out the complete article by political reporter Millie Cooke here:

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 3:15 PM.

Environment Secretary: Many Protesters Are Misguided

The Environment Secretary has stated that numerous farmers demonstrating in Westminster against alterations to inheritance tax are mistaken regarding the policy.

During a meeting with Members of Parliament in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Steve Reed was informed that there are “significantly more than 500 farmers” expressing concerns about being impacted, and he was questioned on whether this information was incorrect.

He responded, “If we take these forecasts from HMRC, which the OBR and IFS have verified, at face value, then many of them are likely incorrect — and probably to their relief. This is because there are various strategies they can use to manage their tax situations, just like most businesses or property owners do to reduce their tax burden.”

"The figures I've come across are staggering and quite alarming if anyone takes them seriously."

He mentioned that the numbers cited by critics relied on Defra data regarding the worth of farms. However, he pointed out that simply linking this data to inheritance tax obligations isn't accurate, as farm ownership is far more complicated than just one individual owning one farm.

He stated, "Naturally, we want to ensure that family farming remains a vital part of our community, just like it always has been."

Holly Evans November 19, 2024, 3:03 PM

"Farmer’s Daughter: Budget Changes Threaten Farm"

The daughter of a farmer expressed that the modifications to the agricultural inheritance tax will hinder her and her brother from inheriting and managing their family's farm.

Jen from Yorkshire, who chose not to share her last name, spoke to the PA news agency following a protest in central London on Tuesday. She expressed her concerns, saying, "I’m the seventh generation to work on our farm, and if the Budget is approved, it could prevent me from inheriting the family farm. My brother and I would likely have to sell the farm to afford the taxes."

“We've both loved this since we were young, even before we could walk. It has always been a part of our lives; it's really a way of living for us.”

The 24-year-old mentioned that they would need to pay around £1.2 million if the government decides to keep the tax changes in place.

"We've consulted with our accountant and lawyers, and unless circumstances change or there’s something we can do, we won’t be able to move forward once anything happens to our parents," she explained.

"The financial reality of continuing is just not sustainable for us. Even with a side job, the income wouldn’t be sufficient to cover those costs."

Holly Evans on November 19, 2024, at 2:51 PM

"Don't Be Fooled: The Tractor Tax Affects Everyone"

I never thought I would have to travel to London to defend our way of life as farmers, but that's the reality we're facing. Despite what the government might suggest, the recent changes to inheritance tax will affect a large number of us, not just a select few.

We reside on my husband’s family farm in West Meon, Hampshire. He has spent 51 of his 53 years here, and the thought of how everything will change is quite daunting. My father-in-law, now 82, continues to work on the farm, and we had all envisioned that, eventually, our two daughters would take over, carrying on the tradition of providing high-quality, farm-assured beef and lamb for the local community.

We are now confronted with the difficult decision of selling a portion of the farm to cover the “tractor tax.” The harsh truth is that neither we nor our daughters will be able to sustain ourselves through the farm in the future.

Check out the complete analysis by Victoria Cobden here:

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 2:38 PM.

Jeremy Clarkson: Farmers Endure Heavy Blow

Speaking about the farmers' protest in Westminster, TV host and farmer Jeremy Clarkson expressed that he has gained a deep appreciation for the challenges of farming, noting just how tough, hazardous, and chilly the work can be.

Farmers are dealing with expenses, pressures from environmental advocates, and various regulations. "We're dealing with a lot of challenges and costs, and there isn’t much profit to be made, as you all know – and then we received the Budget," he said, prompting boos from the audience.

"I realize that many individuals from various backgrounds around the country felt a sting from that Budget. You all received a painful hit in the gut and a heavy blow to the head."

Holly Evans, November 19, 2024, at 2:13 PM.

Impact Of Inheritance Tax Changes On Farmers

Labour claims that 75% of estates will remain unaffected by the upcoming changes; however, activists have disputed this, according to my colleague Albert Toth.

Treasury analysis indicates that approximately 500 estates will be affected by the new changes, with the wealthiest 7 percent of claims representing 40 percent of the overall amount in the relief fund.

According to a statement from the department, "It's unjust for a tiny group of claimants to receive a large sum of relief every year, especially when those funds could be more effectively utilized to support our public services."

The Country Land and Business Association has indicated that around 70,000 farms could be impacted. They warn that this new policy could harm family-run businesses and undermine food security.

Economists have pointed out that this statistic can be somewhat deceptive. The figure of 70,000 doesn't indicate the actual number of estates that will incur inheritance tax annually; it simply represents the number of estates that might be worth more than £1 million at this moment.

Paul Johnson, the head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), states, "The alterations will impact a surprisingly small number of the most valuable farming operations."

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Farm Owners Protest Inheritance Tax: Here's Why

Starting in April 2026, landowners inheriting agricultural properties valued at over £1 million will be required to pay a 20 percent inheritance tax (IHT). Previously, these properties were fully exempt from this tax due to agricultural property relief regulations.

According to the new regulations, a 20 percent tax—half the usual 40 percent rate—will apply only to assets exceeding the £1 million mark. Additionally, unlike the standard Inheritance Tax (IHT), this tax can be settled in interest-free payments spread over ten years.

The exemption is added on top of other Inheritance Tax (IHT) relief options. Currently, inheritance tax isn't levied on estates valued at less than £325,000, and there’s an additional allowance of £175,000 for homes, provided specific criteria are met.

In the case of a farm owned by a couple, the total tax-free amount that can be transferred is £3 million. This figure is reached by adding their individual allowances together, along with each person's £1 million agricultural relief.

My coworker Albert Toth provides additional information here:

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Photos From Today's Protest

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