A farming minister has revealed he sometimes “needs an escort” when visiting the countryside amid farmers’ fury over inheritance tax changes. Daniel Zeichner told the Future Countryside conference on Tuesday how he ocassionally needed security while meeting people following protests across the country.
He said: “I hope you’ll all agree with me I don’t run away from engaging with the sector. I love going out and meeting people, seeing people.
“On occasion I now need an escort but by and large, I think the only way to rebuld trust is by having an open and sensible dialogue.”
Mr Zeichner was previously marooned in a taxi when angry protesters blocked his car from leaving a meeting.
Daniel Zeichner was forced to sit in the vehicle when dozens of farmers prevented his exit from a car park in April.
From April 2026, combined agricultural and business property assets up to £1million will still receive 100% relief but anything above that will be taxed at an effective rate of 20%.
Asset-rich farmers who are cash-poor fear they will have to sell off their land, making it unviable for food production, to foot the tax bill.
The Daily Express’s Save Britain’s Family Farms crusade has demanded a U-turn.
The Government has been contacted for comment.