Tomorrow, I’ll be traveling down to Westminster to stand shoulder to shoulder with thousands of farmers from across the country in opposition to the government’s disastrous "Family Farm Tax." I’ll be joining high-profile Farmers like Jeremy Clarkson and our own local farming champions, John and Pat Stanley of Spring Barrow Lodge in Whitwick, to demand that this ill conceived policy is scrapped.
This tax, which proposes a 20% inheritance levy on family farms worth over £1 million, is set to come into effect in April 2026. In North West Leicestershire alone, 215 family farms face the risk of being crippled by this unjust policy. These farms are not just businesses, they are the lifeblood of our rural communities, handed down through generations of hard work and dedication.
The people of North West Leicestershire know just how vital our farmers are to our local economy, our food supply, and the preservation of our countryside. This tax puts all of that at risk. I cannot sit by while the government jeopardises the future of these family-run enterprises, which are so much more than statistics they are the heart and soul of our community. These farmers are not inheriting millions of pounds they’re inheriting assets. Assets that are necessary to farm, so they can lead stressful lives, operating on tiny margins, to feed people like us.
Tomorrow’s protest will be a powerful demonstration of unity and defiance. Farmers will be driving their tractors into central London to make their voices heard loud and clear. As John and Pat Stanley have rightly said, this tax is a betrayal of those who have spent their lives feeding the nation.
Jeremy Clarkson, who has been a tireless advocate for farmers, is also joining the protest. He’s called this policy a blatant attempt to "shaft farmers" and undermine British agriculture. I couldn’t agree more. This tax threatens to force families to sell off land and could leave the UK more dependent on imported food something no one wants.
Standing with these incredible farmers isn’t just about politics, it’s about protecting a way of life that has shaped our nation. I’ll be there to ensure that Westminster understands the real world consequences of their actions and to fight for a fairer deal for our farmers.
Let’s make sure the government hears us loud and clear, this tax must go.
Sign my petition HERE
