Ports could be blockaded and food shortages could hit the high street this month as more than 10,000 angry farmers are expected to march on Westminster in protest at Rachel Reeves’ Budget.
The Chancellor could face French-style farming unrest with rural workers committed to direct action in retaliation for her introduction of a new tax burden on farms worth £1million or more from April 2026.
Critics say the new 50% inheritance tax, which after adjustments works out at 20%, spells disaster for families who have worked the land for generations because they won’t be able to afford to pass on their assets to loved ones.
Unions and the Conservatives have urged Ms Reeves to rethink her move, but she has so far resisted claiming the change meant she had “closed that loophole” used by the “wealthiest landowners”.
But farmers are now threatening to bring their arguments to Parliament’s door with a mass rally planned in London on November 19 by the National Farmers Union (NFU) expected to be attended by more than 10,000 people.
Sky News reports tractor ‘go-slows’ on major routes may also break out in the coming weeks with some “hardcore groups” even considering spreading sewage sludge on their land.
Clive Bailye, the founder of The Farming Forum, which he described as the “Mumsnet for farmers”, told the news channel he does not condone such action.
He said: “We don’t want to upset or cause problems, we just want to feed people. We’re trying to do this the right way first. Who knows what will happen after that?”
Mr Bailye said there are those demanding more “militant” action like that often seen in Europe, especially by French farmers who sometimes blockade ports and roads.
He added: “Farmers have the ability to do this with tractors and large machinery all over the country, blocking roads, go-slows with tractors, blocking ports and routes to airports.
“I can see that ending up with a lot of people getting arrested but you can’t arrest everyone.”
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “We are aware that there are a number of events being planned currently in relation to the recent budget announcements affecting farmers.
“The National Farmers’ Union have emphasised that their event at a conference centre in Westminster on 19 November will not be a protest. This is not on advice from the Metropolitan Police, and at no point have we banned anyone from marching on this date.
“We will work with any organisation or individual wishing to organise a peaceful protest or demonstration in London and continue to speak with the NFU.
“We are also aware of a separate rally being planned by a group of farmers in central London on the same date. We are speaking with the organisers to work with them as they plan their event.”
