‘It’s going to destroy family farms!’ Three generation farming family join fierce protest against inheritance tax: ‘Sucks the oxygen out of everything’

Farmers have once again brought tractors to Westminster as protests against inheritance tax changes show no sign of abating as the NFU President accused the Government of breaking its promises to farmers within weeks of coming into office.

The demonstrations target what farmers call “the family farms tax” announced in Rachel Reeves’ October budget.

President Tom Bradshaw, addressed farmers at their annual conference just a stone’s throw from Parliament.

He said: “This policy is morally wrong and economically flawed”.

Among those protesting the tax changes were five-year-old Bertie – who hopes to be a fifth generation farmer when he grow up – his mum, dad and grandad.

The family took a basket of toys up Downing Street, to the Treasury, to send a message to Rachel Reeves that she “needs think again” about the Inheritance Tax she announced for farmers last October.

Speaking to GB News this afternoon, third-generation farmer Martin Towler said: “It’s going to destroy family farms.

“Farming is a generational thing. The money is not in it to find the money to to pay this great big tax.”

His daughter Hazel and son-in-law Tom also work on their family farm in Bedfordshire.

Tom added: “I feel that most people in Westminster, in the Government don’t value food. I don’t feel that they value the fact that we produce food. We need food, good food.

“And it’s really quite important that we have some sort of level of food security. They all seem to want to commit to it, but actions speak louder than words.”

In his speech, Tom Bradshaw, said there were just 87 words about agriculture in the Labour manifesto, but they had hope, given the words: “Food security is national security”.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed addressed the NFU conference but received a cold reception.

His pledges to use more British food in schools and hospitals and extend the seasonal worker visa route failed to resonate with the audience.

One farmer said the looming IHT changes from April 2026, “suck the oxygen out of everything.”

Reed acknowledged the strength of feeling, but when he mentioned the state of government finances upon Labour taking office, he was heckled by farmers.

The Environment Secretary appeared visibly uncomfortable as farmers voiced their concerns.

The Government presented the argument is that it is “only fair” that farmers pay inheritance tax, because “everyone else does”.

However, farmers slapped back that they “not like everyone else” as many have large wealth on paper but very little income.

Bradshaw explained that he has repeatedly requested meetings with the Chancellor to discuss concerns.

He said: “I suspect the Secretary of State would also like the Chancellor to meet me.”

Farmers at the conference issued stark warnings about the potential consequences of the inheritance tax changes.

Multiple attendees stood up to voice concerns that elderly relatives might consider suicide before April 2026.

Farmers told GB News how previous governments have also let them down.

Hazel explained that the Conservative’s post-Brexit trade deals with Australia and New Zealand have made things harder.

Her father Martin, added: “We do not plan a level playing field at the moment. We have things banned in this country, but quite happy to import something that we legally cannot produce because we’re banned from doing it.”

The IHT change has been described as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

Bradshaw warned that they will not stop protesting: “We will not go away, we will not stop.”

Many farmers fear they will lose the family farms that have been passed from generation to generation.

When asked if Bertie will have a farm when he grows up, his mum Hazel said: “We hope so”.