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Farmers rally over concerns for future

BBC/Spencer Stokes A young woman holds up a sign that reads "back British farming". Several logos of well-known brands are glued to the sign such as Heinz, Cheerios and Quavers crisps. She stands in the middle of the market square, surrounded by others who joined the rally.BBC/Spencer Stokes
Farmers gathered in Thirsk to call on ministers and the public to "back British farming".

Dozens of farmers rallied in a North Yorkshire market town, concerned about the industry's future.

The event on Tuesday coincided with a rally in London to protest about inheritance tax changes announced last month.

At the protest in Thirsk, farmers said they feared rises in National Insurance contributions, minimum wage and inheritance tax would threaten their livelihoods.

Addressing the inheritance tax changes, government ministers insisted "the vast majority" of farmers would be unaffected.

The rally in Thirsk was organised by farmers Clare and Phil Wise.

They said the price paid to farmers had not gone up, despite rising food costs to consumers and their own expenses had increased.

They stressed the protest was "not about inheritance tax" but rather about "having a sustainable industry".

"If we could afford to cover these extra expenses, we would happily pay them knowing we would be supporting the NHS, schools and the Armed Forces," they said.

"But without a big increase in the farm gate prices, this is not possible."

Crowds gathered in the market square. A green tractor is parked on the right.
The protest in Thirsk was organised by Phil and Clare Wise

For others who attended the rally, inheritance tax changes have been a source of concern.

From April 2026, inherited agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, will be liable to the tax at 20% - half the usual inheritance tax rate.

Other allowances could mean a couple who are married or in a civil partnership could pass on a farm worth as much as £3m.

Rebecca Wilson and her father said a farm of their size would be "looking at a £1m tax bill".

Ms Wilson, a fifth-generation farmer based in Boroughbridge, said: "I am genuinely extremely worried, I've had many sleepless nights about what is going to happen.

"I just want to farm, I just want to produce food and look after the environment and the landscape that we have here."

Ms Wilson stands in front of a field of grazing sheep, wearing a brown coat and her brown hair tied up.
Rebecca Wilson said she was worried about the future of her family's farm in Boroughbridge

Many of those at the rally said farmers were asset rich and cash poor, meaning some could have to sell up to be able to pay any inheritance tax bill.

Chris Smith, who attended the rally with his family, asked: "What's going to be left for my children?

"They will probably have to sell the farm to pay the inheritance tax."

Daniel Zeichner, minister for food security and rural affairs, insisted "the vast majority" of farmers would be "fine".

"The figures from the Treasury are very clear: under 500 farms a year are likely to be affected," he told the BBC.

"I would say to people take advice because every person's situation is different and there will be many, many people who will find they are not actually going to be caught by this."

Mr Smith sits in his tractor with a woman standing next to him on the steps. A poster that reads "no farmers, no food", hangs in the window.
Chris Smith said his children might have to sell the farm to pay inheritance tax bills

Mr Zeichner previously said the changes were needed to make the system fairer and to provide a better NHS, affordable housing and public transport.

Labour MP for Leeds North West Katie White, added: "The level of inheritance tax is lower than in other cases and there is a 10-year repayment period.

"We are trying to make those choices as fair as possible but across the board as a politician, I want to invest in public services whether that's around schools, roads, the NHS, defence - it all costs money."

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